The present invention concerns an electrode for establishing electrical contact with the skin. The electrode comprises an electrically conductive gel (12) covering a part of a first side of an electrically conductive layer (4) and an electrically conductive by-pass element (19). The by-pass element extends, on the second side of the electrically conductive layer, over the circumference of the gel on the first side and is in electrical contact with the second side of the electrically conductive layer at a point opposing an area covered with electrically conductive gel at the first side of the electrically conductive layer. The by-pass element ensures that the electrode continues to be operable even if exposed to chemical or mechanical stress.