The stratum corneum xerotic from aging and photochemotherapy (PUVA). A study by scanning electron microscopy

The relationship between the structure and mechanical properties of the xerotic stratum corneum from aging and photochemotherapy were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Two different types or orthokeratosis were found in these xeroses, from which we infer that the type induced by PUVA does not represent accelerated aging. The orderly architectural pattern of the stratum corneum in xerosis induced by PUVA may be related to the microanatomy of the prominent undulations at the junction between the epidermis and the papillary dermis.