Preliminary studies into percorneal penetration and elemental content of the stratum corneum using X-ray microanalysis.

A technique is described which measures the penetration of substances through the stratum corneum (SC) and the distribution of elements in this structure employing scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis. Preliminary observations show that the normal SC shows a concentration gradient of potassium, high in the surface layers and lowest deeper down whereas the reverse is true for phosphorus. It has been shown that sulphur rapidly tranverses the SC and seems to penetrate through all parts of the horny layer whereas lead and zinc do not easily enter this structure.