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Study of cutaneous extensibility in lymphoedema of the lower limbs
Author(s) -
AURIOL F.,
VAILLANT L.,
PELUCIOLOPES C.,
MACHET L.,
DIRIDOLLOU S.,
BERSON M.,
LORETTE G.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1994.tb08503.x
Subject(s) - extensibility , medicine , dermatology , computer science , programming language
Summary We have studied changes in the elasticity and viscosity of the skin in patients with lymphoedema, using a technique involving vertical extensibility by suction. We measured parameters which included immediate extensibility ( U e , which reflects the elastic properties of the skin), and delayed extensibility ( U v which reflects intracutaneous movements of a viscous type). In grade III lymphoedema, U e is decreased and U v is increased. These changes are explained by volume variations and histological alterations, and tend to normalize after treatment. Our study shows that measurement of extensibility is useful in evaluation of volume variations, effects of therapy, and disease evolution, as U e variations correlate with volume variations and with U v changes. This technique also provides information which is useful in assessing patiènts' functional difficulties in relation to skin infiltration, and might be of value in lymphoedema follow‐up.