Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)
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The water content in burn scars, the parameter of stratum corneum water holding capacity, is an important feature in evaluation of biophysical properties of scars. Nevertheless, quantifiying this parameter is a challenge. In this study, the reliability of repeated water content measurements with Corneometer CM825(®) on (burn) scars was investigated. ⋯ The Corneometer CM825(®) is an objective and sensitive instrument for water content measurements. On the basis of our results, we concluded that the instrument can be used in clinical trials, but only under very strict conditions with standardized test protocol, preferably in combination with the evaluation of other physiological parameters.
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In the absence of humidity receptors in human skin, the perception of skin wetness is considered a somatosensory experience resulting from the integration of temperature (particularly cold) and mechanical inputs. However, limited data are available on the role of the temperature sense. ⋯ We conclude that it is not the contact of the skin with moisture per se, but rather the integration of particular sensory inputs (amongst which coldness seems dominant) which drives the perception of skin wetness during the initial contact with a wet surface.
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Skin expansion is a physiological process that is defined as the ability of the human skin to increase its superficial area in response to stress or to a given deformation. Skin expanders are silicon bags that are implanted underneath the skin. Because the skin presents creep or relaxation, the resulting stress decreases after a time due to the imposed deformation. Skin expansions are used to reconstruct burned areas and breasts after a mastectomy or to hide scars. ⋯ fci, Correcting factor, which corrects the mathematical formulas using the experimental results, for i skin expander; i, geometry of the expander, round (c), rectangular (r), or crescent (cresc/cr); Sd , surface of the defect; Sds , surface area of the donor site; Sfi, surface area obtained using a mathematical calculation for the i skin expander; S¯fi, surface area obtained experimentally for the i skin expander; Sfi∗, corrected surface area obtained using a mathematical calculation for the i skin expander corrected by the correcting factor; S¯fi∗∗ extra flap of skin obtained by expansion for the i skin expander; Vii, internal volume infiltrated in the i skin expander; Vni, nominal internal volume of the i skin expander.
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Most traditional skin histological analysis methods are based on the light microscopy images, which can only provide limited information and low contrast results for pathology evaluation. Molecular hyperspectral imaging technology can provide both spatial and spectral information of skin sections, which is a new method for histological skin analysis. ⋯ Unlike traditional histological analysis with light microscopy, the molecular hyperspectral imaging technology can enhance the visualization of skin structures using their spectral signatures and their gray values. This technology has potential for the diagnosis and histopathologic characterization of different kind of skin cells.
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We analyzed skin heat conduction under moist and dry heat conditions to confirm the influence of moist heat on the skin and subcutaneous region. ⋯ Stratum corneum moisture levels and skin surface heat conductivity were higher in the moist heat condition and skin blood flow was significantly greater than that in skin exposed to dry heat. Therefore, moist heat is more efficient at warming the body than dry heat.