Effects of occlusive tape systems on the mitotic activity of epidermis. With and without corticosteroids

This study was designed to elaborate on the effects of occlusion and corticosteroids on human epidermal mitotic activity. The experimental variables included tape delivery systems that afforded total, partial (50%), or no occlusion to normal human skin. In some experiments, hydrocortisone, flurandrenolide, betamethasone, betamethasone valerate, and fluorometholone were added to these tape systems. Using demecolcine cream, biopsies were taken, and mitotic figures were determined. Results suggest that potent antimitotic effects occur with semiocclusive and nonocclusive tapes that contain corticosteroids, and that total occlusion is not necessary for this physiological effect. This suggests the possibility that the presumably better tolerated nonocclussive and partially occlusive systems might be used as dermatological drug delivery systems.