Cyanoacrylate Skin Surface Stripping and the 3S-Biokit Advent in Tropical Dermatology: A Look from Liège

Abstract

In the dermatopathology field, some simple available laboratory tests require minimum equipment for establishing a diagnosis. Among them, the cyanoacrylate skin surface stripping (CSSS), formerly named skin surface biopsy or follicular biopsy, represents a convenient low cost procedure. It is a minimally invasive method collecting a continuous sheet of stratum corneum and horny follicular casts. In the vast majority of cases, it is painless and is unassociated with adverse events. CSSS can be performed in subjects of any age. The method has a number of applications in diagnostic dermatopathology and cosmetology, as well as in experimental dermatology settings. A series of derived analytic procedures include xerosis grading, comedometry, corneofungimetry, corneodynamics of stratum corneum renewal, corneomelametry, corneosurfametry, and corneoxenometry.

Dermatophyte Growth in Glabrous Skin Dermatophytoses of Immuno Compromised Hosts

“…One of the most convenient ways to collect and examine the infected superficial skin layers is the cyanocrylate skin surface stripping (CSSS), formerly named skin surface biopsy [5][6][7][8][9][10]. In its most widely appreciated context, the SC exerts a major barrier function against microorganisms, ultraviolet radiations, oxidants, and a variety of other toxic xenobiotics.…”

“…The material (3S-Biokit, CK Technology, Visé, Belgium) is pressed firmly on the target lesion [9,10]. After 15-30 s, an unbroken sheet of SC is usually conveniently harvested.…”

“…Third, the intercorneocyte cohesion on the palms and soles [11] is commonly stronger than the cyanoacrylate bond, thus impairing the collection of an unbroken sheet of corneocytes. Anyhow, CSSS samplings from these sites are possible in some physiopathological conditions associated with a compromised texture and cohesion of the SC [9].…”

“…Straightforward diagnoses are commonly established using CSSS in superficial, infectious skin diseases [9,10]. Microscopy provides a basic but rapid test for the diagnosis of a dermatophyte infection, the fungi showing distinctive morphological forms of hyphae and arthroconidia, and their relatively large size.…”

“…Microscopy provides a basic but rapid test for the diagnosis of a dermatophyte infection, the fungi showing distinctive morphological forms of hyphae and arthroconidia, and their relatively large size. Fungi, including yeasts and dermatophytes, form clusters or a network of globular and filamentous structures [7][8][9][10][13][14][15]. The aspect is typically altered by antifungal treatments (Figure 2a-2d).…”