DIELECTRIC-PROPERTIES OF SOME KERATINISED TISSUES .1. STRATUM-CORNEUMAND NAIL IN-SITU

Blister-skin and warts have been studied as possible sources of 'pure' stratum corneum without sweat ducts. The purpose of the study was to assess whether the DC electrical conductance measured on human skin is totally dominated by the sweat ducts, or is also significantly contri buted to by the stratum corneum itself. By means of galvanic skin resp onse (GSR) measurements, these tissues were found to be unrealiable as sources of 'pure' stratum corneum. This is because they displayed sig nificant GSR waves, and hence should have some form of active pores. H owever, measurements on blister-skin and nail in situ revealed a subst antial frequency independent electrical conductance at frequencies typ ically below 10 Hz.