[A device for the measurement of the horny layer transparency. The stripping method]

A new measuring device for the determination of transparency of horny layer material stripped off the skin surface with adhesive tape is being described. This method enables a differentiated and reproducible objectification of light absorption of stripped horny layer material. The horny layer is being fixed on a glass plate and then conducted past a light source and a photo cell at constant speed, whereby the respective light-current-variation caused by the varying degrees of light permeability of the horny layer material is being synchroniously registered by a continuous-line-recording instrument thereby serving as a parameter for each respective strip sample. The systematic evaluation of the original curves takes into consideration amplitude, angle of climb and medium route and results in a horny layer sample-obtained successively from one and the same horny layer strip-series test area-impressioned by individual and regional horny layer conditions. This permits conclusions concerning not only the horny layer transparency but also the horny layer solidity and stripping capability. Thus, the procedure opens new horizons for experimental and clinical questions regarding horny layer diagnostics.