Skin irritation due to repetitive application of adhesive tape: the influence of adhesive strength and seasonal variability.
OBJECTIVE
Influence of the repetitive application of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes on skin was evaluated.


METHODS
Two kinds of tapes with different adhesive strengths were repetitively applied to the inside of the forearm of six volunteers in winter and summer, in order to examine the dermal peeling force, the amount of stripped corneocytes, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and deepened skin furrows (changes in skin surface topography) in the epidermal stratum corneum.


CONCLUSIONS
As adhesive tapes were applied repetitively, dermal peeling force gradually increased while the amount of stripped corneocytes decreased. As the cumulative amount of stripped corneocytes increased with repetitive applications, the skin irritation worsened as measured by increased destruction of the skin surface topography and TEWL. These phenomena were more marked with the stronger adhesive tape, and there was seasonal variability.
Tokumura
Fumio
F
The Third Research Group of Japanese Society for Cutaneous Health, Nishinanajyo, Kyoto, Japan.
Umekage
Kazuo
K
Sado
Masashi
M
Otsuka
Saburo
S
Suda
Shin
S
Taniguchi
Masaharu
M
Yamori
Akira
A
Nakamura
Atsushi
A
Kawai
Jun
J
Oka
Keiji
K
D000268:Adhesiveness; D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D012720:Severity of Illness Index