Levels of the trace metals copper, manganese and zinc in skin were found to vary in the same individual from one region of the body to another. The lowest concentrations were found in plantar epidermis while the highest levels were found in the epidermis of the foreskin. It is possible that these variations are related to dendritic cell populations in these areas.

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The dissolution of neutron-irradiated metallic nickel in an artificial sweat formulation has been studied. Variations in dissolution rate were found over a pH range of 3.5 to 6.5, a temperature range of 10 to 40 degrees C and for times up to 6 h. The presence of oxygen increases the dissolution rate markedly. Typical dissolution rates at 30 degrees C vary from 2 X 10(-7) g Ni X cm-2 X min-1 at a pH of 3.5, to 1 X 10(-9) g Ni X cm-2 X min-1 at a pH of 6. The relevance of the data to clinical aspects of nickel dermatitis is discussed.

SUMMARY Copper and zinc levels were estimated in skin biopsies from a group of 20 psoriatic patients and compared with those of 10 normal subjects. The concentrations of zinc in psoriatic epidermis and dermis were significantly higher than normal, while those of copper were not. The levels of these 2 trace elements were also determined in the serum of 23 psoriatic patients and 22 normal subjects. There was a significant increase in serum copper levels in the psoriatic group. Zinc levels did not show significant variations.