The aims of this study was to elucidate the skin reactions caused by the application of nitrate tapes and to distinguish between the effect of nitrate and the irritation to the adhesive tape itself. Eleven healthy male volunteers were investigated. Nitroglycerin (GTN) tape, GTN placebo tape and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) tape were applied to the chest of subjects for 45 minutes. Skin reactions and skin temperature were assessed during and after application. GTN tape statistically induced remarkable reddening at 15 minutes and 30 minutes after application and a little increasing skin temperature compared with ISDN tape. On the other hand GTN placebo tape induced little reddening. We considered that the skin reaction to GTN tape was due to the rapid absorption and vasodilation of GTN. The itching that is occasionally reported by patients treated with GTN tape may be attributed to the action of GTN to the skin.