Physical and physiological effects of stratum corneum tape stripping

Background/aims: Tape stripping of human stratum corneum has been performed to measure stratum corneum mass, barrier function, drug reservoir and perc utaneous penetration. However, the technique itself requires further develo pment to facilitate interpretation. Methods: In this study we quantified stratum corneum (SC) tape stripping an d water kinetic parameters utilizing three types of adhesive tapes, in an i n vivo randomized clinical trial. Stratum corneum was tape stripped, and th e mass of SC removed by each tape was quantified utilizing a protein assay. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured and barrier disruption and S C water kinetics calculated. Three commonly utilized acrylate adhesive tape s were utilized and a comparison made between them. Results: Each type of tape successfully stripped the stratum corneum, but t he rayon tape did not induce SC barrier disruption. Neither the type of tap e nor the site stripped significantly influenced the mass of SC removed. Wa ter kinetic parameters did not differ significantly for the tapes that did induce barrier disruption. Individual variation in barrier disruption to wa ter following tape stripping was demonstrated. Conclusion: The tapes utilized removed a similar amount of SC. The tapes ha ve a different propensity to cause barrier disruption. Some individuals do not demonstrate increased TEWL despite an equivalent mass of SC being remov ed compared to those who do show a response.