ABSTRACT
In a previous communication, we described a relatively simpli. method for assaying quantities of sweat using the skin surface hydrometer. In order to evaluate the pharmacologic response of weat glands in psoriasis, vitiligo and loalized scleroderma, we measured the basal skin conductance and the quantity of sweat induced by intradermal injections of pilocarpine nitrate in the lesional and per ilesional skin. The results were as follows : 1. In psoriatic plaques, based skin surface hydration and the sweat response to pilocarpine was markedly reduced (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in normal perilesional skin. 2. In generalized vitiligo, basal skin surface hydration and the sweat gland response was normal. In the case of the segmental type, there was a slightly decreased sweat response in the lesion but, not significant statistically. 3. In the morphea plaque, basal skin surface hydration and the sw.at response to pilocarpine was markedly reduced but was normal in perilesional skin. This study presents evidence of the functional changes in the development of sweat secretion and surface hydration in the lesions of psoriasis, morphec and segmental type of vitiligo. The demonstration of ahnormalities in the pharmacolopic response to pilocarpine induction led us to suggest the possibility that some degree of sweat gland involvement is induced by the pathogenetic mechanisms of these diseases.