Squamometry: an evaluation method for a barrier protectant (tannic acid)

Squamometry for evaluating skin barrier substances is described. Forearms of 8 volunteers were dosed with 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in distilled water (semi-open method) for 24 h, to skin pretreated with distilled water and 5% tannic acid, a model barrier protectant. Squamometric evaluation indicated the skin damage increased with SLS concentration in a dose-dependent manner, and that tannic acid reduced the damage (p<0.01). The results suggest that squamometry may be a useful method for determining efficacy of skin barrier substances.