Development of an in vivo method to better understand the obese skin

The impact of obesity in the pathophysiology of human skin seems to be related to various dermatoses, basically resulting from the change in its normal physiology, including changes in the “barrier” and the “envelope" functions as well . However, the available information is still scarce due to the many complexities of the subject. This work aims to define an experimental methodology approach to objectively study the functional changes that characterize the obese skin. This transversal study included 28 healthy volunteers, female (mean age 23 ± 5 years old), after informed consent. Skin functional characterization was obtained in one single measurement by non-invasive techniques, under controlled conditions. Relevant variables were hydration (superficial and deep), barrier function and biomechanical behavior, measured at four different anatomical areas. Through the SPSS (v 20.0) a univariate statistical analysis was performed to calculate central tendency and dispersion measures. The Pearson's and the Spearman's tests were chosen for those variables that followed , or not, a normal distribution, respectively, assuming a confidence level of 95%. Results allow us to propose a methodology for the study of the skin applied to obese patients, including the choice of the anatomical areas and variables appropriate to the intended goal.