Variations of the electric conductivity of the skin in relation to sweating

Abstract

Detailed relations between the electric conductivity of the skin and sweating were investigated by simultaneous, continuous recordings of skin conductivity and sweat rate on a pen-writing oscillograph in healthy sub jects and patients with anhidrosis. Evidence is presented that skin conductivity is mainly a function of sweating. The specific electric conductivity of the paste or solution used for the skin electrodes affected largely the patterns of fluctuations of skin conductivity, whereas the kind of electrolyte in the solution had little influence on it. Characteristic changes of conductivity of the palmar skin were noted. The movement of the electrolyte ions into sweat-ducts appears to be the most important factor affecting variations of skin conductivity with sweating. Possible changes in size of sweat-ducts in association with the activity of sweat glands are assumed also to participate in these mechanisms. Various patterns of variations of skin conductivity are discussed on the basis of these assumptions. © 1965, PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN. All rights reserved.