Experiments On electrical resistance of the human epidermis

Abstract

The electrical resistance of the human epidermis was measured with a minute electrode with the purpose to study the water distribution in it. When the electrode was placed over the skin, the resistance was much smaller on sweat pores especially when they discharge sweat. When the electrode was gradually inserted into the epidermis, no marked change in resistance was found in the outermost layer, followed by a thin layer where slight fall in resistance began to occur. On further introduction, the resistance fell suddenly. The layer where the resistance fell suddenly was situated at a depth of about 350 μ in the palm, 170 μ in the nail mantle and 50 μ in the forearm, reckoned from the skin surface. © 1955, PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN. All rights reserved.