Skin irritation due to repetitive application of adhesive tape: the influence of adhesive strength and seasonal variability

Background/purpose: Influence of the repetitive application of pressure‐sensitive adhesive tapes on skin was evaluated. Methods: Two kinds of tapes with different adhesive strengths were repetitively applied to the inside of the forearm of six volunteers in winter and summer, in order to examine the dermal peeling force, the amount of stripped corneocytes, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and deepened skin furrows (changes in skin surface topography) in the epidermal stratum corneum. Results and conclusion: As adhesive tapes were applied repetitively, dermal peeling force gradually increased while the amount of stripped corneocytes decreased. As the cumulative amount of stripped corneocytes increased with repetitive applications, the skin irritation worsened as measured by increased destruction of the skin surface topography and TEWL. These phenomena were more marked with the stronger adhesive tape, and there was seasonal variability.