Transepidermal water loss in adhesive tape induced dermatitis

As an index of skin barrier function, transepidermal water loss (TEW) was investigated in subjects reactive to adhesive tapes. Tape reactive subjects showed no difference in TEW in untreated skin when compared to non-reactive subjects. Plastic tape and transparent tape produced varying degrees of dermatitis in reactive subjects; the TEW was increased up to 40-fold of the baseline values correlating with the degree of dermatitis. Paper tape and plastic film without adhesive did not produce dermatitis and increased water loss. Regeneration of skin damage was accompanied by a decrease of TEW values. The general problem of tape reactors and tape irritation is discussed.