A METHOD FOR DEMONSTRATION OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SEBUM ON THE SKIN SURFACE

SUMMARY.— A method is described for demonstrating sebum secretion in precise relation to the microscopic features of the skin. It is based on a combination of the use of a replica of the skin surface and chemical demonstration of the collected lipid with osmium tetroxide. Examples are shown of characteristic patterns of sebum distribution on areas of skin rich in sebaceous glands. The technique should be useful in the study of diseases due to sebaceous glands in providing numerical data of these structures in addition to information obtained by sebum collection.