More than 10 years ago, I had the chance to visit the university hospital in Munster, Germany. At the outpatient clinic there, I accidently met a young dermatologist who was devoted to the study of the quantification of irritated skin during his busy daily clinical work. I sensed immediately that this Dr. P. Frosch was conducting his research with the ideals and enthusiasm which were so familiar to me. Soon we found that we shared a similar past experience; we both had begun our careers in dermatological investigation with the same mentor. For me it was more than 25 years ago that I first met Dr. Kligman, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, USA. I reminisced that I had been greatly shocked by his initial question ''As a dermatologist, do you want to study living or dead skin?" because, at that time and even today, whenever we cannot collect enough information about the skin with the naked eye, it is invasively removed is common practice to histologically examine a skin sample that from living tissue. Many dermatologists still would never think of studying the living intact skin itself noninvasively with the aid of existing advanced technologies to assess its structural and functional properties. At that time Dr. Kligman intended to build up a system of evaluating the skin from various aspects, using methods that had been unduly neglected in the past and introducing various technological instruments.

With contributions from prominent experts, this comprehensive handbook covers the field of non-invasive biophysical measurement methods in clinical and experimental dermatology. Structured to provide both educational and practical information, the book has proven to be of value to both young researchers and senior scientists. All coverage of major evaluation and measurement methods share a consistent format, covering scope, sources of error, application, and validity. The second edition incorporates 69 revised chapters and 95 new chapters covering topics such as computer technique, imaging techniques, skin friction, barrier functions, and more.

Measuring the Skin presents all techniques devoted to non-invasive normal or diseased skin measurement. As opposed other books, this text embraces old and new validated techniques for all skin suborgans and functions. The book is ideal as a small encyclopedia since it provides the answer to any question concerning skin measurement. Each technique is discussed to help select the most appropriate one for each special case. Another novel feature is that the book bases the skin investigation on the physiology and anatomy. Each chapter is preceded by a compendium of current knowledge on the structure or function dealt with. The book may also be used as a research tool. It contains a novel, and presently unique list of more than 400 physical and biological skin constants, which are all referenced.

This book is a comprehensive but compact guide to the latest technical and technological developments in the growing field of non invasive diagnosis in clinical dermatology. Information is provided on the practical and technical characteristics of a wide range of equipment and methods for in vivo measurements that aid in the investigation of skin function, the evaluation of topically applied products and the monitoring of skin disease. Individual sections are devoted to imaging techniques, skin analysis, superficial skin analysis, skin mechanics, water and stratum corneum hydration and erythema and blood flow. All of the authors are experts in the field, with detailed knowledge of the techniques they describe. Non Invasive Diagnostic Techniques in Clinical Dermatology will be of value for all dermatologists, whether they are engaged in delivering patient care or in research programs, for cosmetic scientists and for biologists involved in skin research and product assessment.

10. 1. 1. 1 The Purpose of Patch Testing Patch testing is a well-established method of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed type of hypersensitivity (type IV reaction). Patients with a history and clinical picture of contact dermatitis are reexposed to the suspected allergens under controlled conditions to verify the diagnosis. Besides testing patients with hand, arm, face or leg eczema (stasis dermatitis), testing of other types of eczema (atopic, seborrhoeic dermatitis, nummular eczema) is sometimes indicated, especially when the dermatologist suspects contact allergy to prescribed topical medicaments and their vehicles. Apart from its use to confirm a suspected allergic contact dermatitis, the patch test procedure can also be used before recommending alternative corti costeroids, skin care products, cosmetics, gloves, etc. in a particular patient. If the patient does not react to the alternatives tested, it is very unlikely that she or he will react to the products in ordinary use. 10. 1. 1.2 Standardization The first patch tests according to present principles were carried out in 1895 [1], but were preceded by some preliminary experiments [2] (see Chap. 1).

""Second Edition provides a thorough, up-to-date treatment of the fundamental behavior of surface active agents in solutions, their interaction with biological structures from proteins and membranes to the stratum corneum and epidermis, and their performance in formulations such as shampoos, dentifrice, aerosols, and skin cleansers.

This text documents the science that lies behind the expanding field of cosmetic dermatology so that clinicians can practice with confidence and researchers can be fully aware of the clinical implications of their work. New chapters have been added to this edition on photodamage, actinic keratoses, UV lamps, hidradenitis suppurativa, age-related changes in male skin, changes in female hair with aging, nonabltaive laser rejuvenation, and cryolipolysis, and chapters have been updated throughout to keep this at the forefront of work and practice. The Series in Cosmetic and Laser Therapy is published in association with the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. Print Versions of this book also include access to the ebook version.