Dermoepidermal Adhesion Strength Measurement Using Suction Blisters

A close and strong connection between the dermis and the epidermis is crucial for the skin to function properly. A decreased strength of the dermoepidermal adhesion may lead to cutaneous fragility, lesions, and wounds. Suction blisters develop, when a prolonged constant negative pressure is applied on a defined area of the skin surface. During continuous suction, hemidesmosomes detach from the basement membrane leading to the separation of the epidermis from the dermis. At the same time, fluid accumulates leading to macroscopically visible blisters. The time to blister development depends on a number of intrinsic, systemic, and local factors, and it is a direct indicator of the dermoepidermal adhesion strength. Therefore, this parameter plays a role in skin research.