Figure 1. Macrophotography. Measurement of skin furrow width in five standard areas of the photograph. Facing p. 618

Emollients and the stratum corneum 619 PROCEDURES USED Bath Oil A The study was conducted on the skin of the lateral aspects of the lower legs of six volun- teers. The area of skin (5 x 15 cm) on each leg was marked out in order that identically treated sites could be examined. Prior to immersion SSBs, surface replicas and macro- photographs were taken from the test sites. The lower leg was then immersed in water at 45øC for 20 min. To one of the vessels Bath Oil A was added to the water to give a final concentration of 0.02• (Manufacturer's recommendation). After 20 min the legs were removed from the baths, pared dry and the above assessments were repeated from adjacent sites 5 min after removal and at 60 min and 240 min. Emollient B The skin of the lateral aspects of the legs of twelve volunteers was examined, six with normal skin and six with 'socially' dry skin but without clinically significant skin disease. Assessments (as described for Bath Oil A) were performed on adjacent sites before treatment and after Emollient B had been applied, at 0 (immediately after application) 30, 60, 120 and 240 min. (Any excess oil remaining on the skin surface was wiped away.) Emol•ent C The study was conducted on the flexor aspect of the forearm of twelve normal volunteers. Assessments were performed before treatment and from adjacent sites after Emollient C had been applied after 60, 120, 180 and 300 min. RESULTS MACROPHOTOGRAPHY Table I shows the effect of Bath Oil A on skin furrow width. Table H shows the effect of Emollient B. Macrophotography was not done for Emollient C. Table I. Effect of Bath Oil A on skin furrow width Post immersion time Oil leg width Water leg width (min) (mm _ SD) (ram _+ SD) Controls 1.48 ñ 0'06 1'45 ñ 0.18 5 1.51 ñ 0'18 1.54 ñ 0-22 60 1.58 ñ 0'16 1-57 ñ 0.13 240 1-65 ñ 0'27 1.64 ñ 0'23 It can be seen from Tables I and H that an overall increase in skin furrow width was detected subsequent to treatment by bath oil or emollient.