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To the Editor:—
The definite limitations in obtaining adequate quantities of normal stratum corneum for chemical analysis has been pointed out by many researchers and recently mentioned by Dr. Wheatley and others in the discussion of the article on studies of chemical composition of psoriatic scales in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology for March, 1961.It occurred to the observer that normal stratum corneum could be obtained from an area of the body that had not been subject to washing, friction, or scratching. Therefore, a visit to the orthopedic department revealed numerous people having plaster casts removed that had been in place for numerous lengths of time. Large pieces of stratum corneum present on the skin were obtained after removal of these casts. Three specimens were obtained from different patients, one each from the leg, trunk, and forearm. The staining of this material with H and E revealed pure strips