The present application relates to a device for the electroporation of bacterial cells in or on a surface of the Stratum corneum layer of a persons skin. It comprises electrodes positionable in the vicinity of said surface a generator to supply a voltage to the electrodes to generate an electrical field having a strength in the order of 25 to 35 KV/cm at said surface of the Stratum corneum layer to inactivate bacterial cells in or on said surface. The electrodes are configured so that the strength of the electrical field reduces as a function of the depth of penetration into the skin from 25 to 35 KV/cm at said surface to 3 KV/cm or less at a depth of penetration that does not exceed 15 microns. The electrical field generated by the device will have sufficient strength to inactivate bacteria cells present on the stratum corneum while at the same time this electrical field is not strong enough to appreciable effect living skin cells in the epidermis below the stratum corneum or at the interface between the stratum corneum and the epidermis.
