Dermal scatter reduction in human skin: A method using controlled application of glycerol

Background and Objective Previous studies in a hairless Guinea pig model showed that transdermal application of glycerol effected a temporary reduction in dermal scatter of light. This study focuses on the application of this protocol on human patients. Study Design/Materials and Methods After stratum corneal removal, glycerol was applied to human subjects using a low pressure transdermal application device. Optical coherence tomography imaging showed increased intensity of radiation reaching deeper regions in the skin and photographs showed enhanced visualization of dermal structures. Results/Conclusion Topically applied glycerol increased light penetration of in vivo corneal‐stripped skin. This minimally invasive approach to temporary dermal scatter reduction has the potential to improve the efficacy of light‐based diagnostic or therapeutic devices. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:251–255, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.