Measurement of transepidermal water loss using an evaporimeter to follow the restitution of the barrier layer of human epidermis after stripping the stratum corneum.

The rate of evaporation after stripping a test area with adhesive tape was followed in 10 women over a period of 15 days. The much increased transepidermal water loss after stripping diminished rapidly on the first 3 days. It then decreased more slowly, approaching but not fully reaching the normal rate by the end of test period. This can be taken to reflect the repair process of the damaged barrier layer. The instrument used makes possible instantaneous reading of the rate of evaporation, and is highly suited for assessing the function of the barrier layer.