The examination of biophysical skin parameters (transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and pH value) in different body regions in Polish ponies.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and skin pH in normal polish ponies. Twelve ponies of both sexes were examined in the study. Measurements were taken from seven different sites: the neck region, the shoulder, thorax, lumbar, inguinal, lip region and the pinna. In each of the regions transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin pH were measured. For transepidermal water loss, the lowest values were observed in the pinna (10.54 g/hm(2)), while the highest values were observed in the lip region (30.98 g/hm(2)). In the case of skin hydration the lowest values were observed for the thorax region (1.96 CU), and the highest for the lip region (48.28 CU). For skin pH, the lowest results were obtained in the pinna (7.03), and the highest in the lumbar region (8.05).