Tape stripping: investigational, diagnostic, and therapeutic uses in dermatology.

Adhesive tape has been used in the scientific study of human skin for more than 90 years. Use of the tape stripping method in dermatology has aided the research and diagnosing of different skin diseases. Basic science, identification, and therapeutic interventions in skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and melanoma, have been studied using this technique. Among many promising applications that will be discussed throughout this contribution, the pigmented lesion assay will be discussed in depth in relation to melanoma. This product carries considerable and significant research toward early detection of melanoma. Tape stripping is unique and advantageous in its ability to provide a nonsurgical approach to evaluating the human epidermis. The cellular and molecular components of the skin are used to diagnose different skin conditions without invasive skin biopsy.