Morphometric study of stratum corneum in leprosy.

Abnormalities in Stratum Corneum (SC) in leprosy lesions have been demonstrated as evidenced by poor hydration power of SC and increased SC turn-over. In continuation of the same study morphometric studies of the SC in leprosy was undertaken as per measurement of the Thickening of the SC, Mean epidermal thickness and Basal layer: Granular layer cell ratio (B : G ratio) of the H.E. stained tissues. Further, on freshly frozen tissues the SC cell-layers were also counted. The findings suggest increased proliferative activity of the epidermis which may lead to formation of defective SC in leprosy.