Seasonal variation in adhesive tape stripping of the skin

Background/aims: The seasonal variation in various properties of adhesive tapes on the skin was evaluated.
Methods: In February, April, and August, five general-purpose adhesive tapes were applied on the forearms of 12 healthy male volunteers for 24 h. The dermal peeling force, the accumulation of fluid, the amount of stripped corneocytes, and the dermal reaction at 1 h after removal of the tapes were evaluated.
Results/Conclusions: The various properties of adhesive tapes on the skin were closely related to the accumulation of fluid beneath the applied tape. Because the accumulation of fluid was significantly higher in summer than in winter, the dermal peeling force was lower in summer than winter. However, the number of stripped corneocytes and the dermal reaction of the inner area under the applied tapes were larger in summer than in winter. Though tha dermal peeling force, the accumulation of fluid, and the number of stripped corneocytes are generally considered as dermal irritation factors, the accumulation of fluid and the number of stripped corneocytes may exert a great influence on the seasonal variation in dermal irritation. On the other hand, the dermal reaction of the edge section had no tendency to vary with season. Because the edge reaction should be caused by interference with skin movement by the stiff backing or the adhesive, it seems to be uninfluenced by the accumulation of fluid.