Open AccessValidation of a non‐contact technique for local skin temperature measurements
Author(s) -
George J.,
Bensafi A.,
Schmitt A. M.,
Black D.,
Dahan S.,
Loche F.,
Lagarde J. M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0846.2008.00309.x
Subject(s) - thermography , intense pulsed light , laser , infrared , skin temperature , potassium titanyl phosphate , biomedical engineering , materials science , dermatology , optics , medicine , physics
Here we propose to quantify local temperature variations using thermal imaging to assess the effect of dermatological lasers. Objectives: To quantify the temperature raise induced by laser application and to differentiate the effects of a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser and an intense pulsed light (IPL). Methods: A randomized comparative study was performed on 10 adult volunteers with symmetrical rosacea treated by KTP laser or IPL. Skin temperature measurements were performed on inclusion, immediately after laser treatment and 3 min after thermal water application, using a high‐resolution (0.08 °C) infrared thermal video camera. Results: KTP laser treatment induced a significant rise in local skin temperature whereas no significant change was revealed by the IPL treatment. The infrared camera is a reliable and reproducible technique that allows a follow‐up of skin temperature without skin contact. Conclusion: Thermography using an infrared camera could potentially be applied in clinical pharmacology for inflammatory reactions or scarring processes.