The effect of mechanical forces (vibration or external compression) on the dermal water content of the upper dermis and epidermis, assessed by high frequency ultrasound

• Published in: Journal of tissue viability Vol. 11; no. 3; pp. 97 - 101
• Main Authors: Ryan, Terence J, Thoolen, Maaike, Yang, Yin Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aging - physiology; Dermis - chemistry; Dermis - physiology; Elasticity; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pressure; pressure and vibration effects; Pressure Ulcer - physiopathology; Skin Physiological Phenomena; ultrasound; Vibration; Water - analysis; water content of skin; water content of skin; ultrasound; pressure and vibration effects
• ISSN: 0965-206X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0965-206X(01)80038-3

An ultrasound scanner, is used to detect changes in water content of the upper dermis. This has previously been found to vary with age and to show diurnal variation. Furthermore, oedema due to venous disease can be shown, using this technique, to respond to elevation. In this study, the water content of the upper dermis and epidermis of the leg in 16 subjects is increased following vibration for 10 minutes using a passive exercise system. A study of pressure applied to the skin of the heel for 10 minutes in 14 volunteers also showed an increase in water content of epidermis and dermis in young persons, but less so in the elderly. It is postulated that the anatomical structure of the vascular bed of the upper dermis predisposes to transsudation when pressure to the skin is applied, thereby maintaining the resilience of the skin in the young, but less so in the elderly.