Stratum Corneum: Location in Thick vs. Thin Skin

Correction: The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis in ALL skin (thick and thin). It consists of dead, keratinized corneocytes surrounded by lipid matrix — the primary barrier.

Difference between thick and thin skin:

• Thick skin (palms, soles): Has all 5 epidermal layers: stratum basale, spinosum, granulosum, lucidum, corneum. Stratum lucidum is a clear, thin layer of dead keratinocytes unique to thick skin.
• Thin skin (rest of body): Lacks stratum lucidum; has 4 layers (basale, spinosum, granulosum, corneum). Stratum corneum is thinner.

Thus, the original statement "stratum corneum is only found in thick skin" is incorrect. The stratum lucidum is the layer exclusive to thick skin.