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Abnormalities of cutaneous microcirculation in atopic eczematics
O P Hornstein1, J Keller, F Boissevain
1Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, FRG.
Acta Dermato-Venereologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Abnormal microcirculation in atopic eczema patients was studied using laser-Doppler microfluxometry and infrared thermography. Results show reduced blood flow and skin temperature, indicating vasoconstriction contributes to dermographism in atopic skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Atopic individuals exhibit signs of abnormal microcirculation.
- Non-invasive methods for measuring this are limited.
- Dermographism reflects cutaneous vascular response to pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hemodynamics of dermographism in atopic eczema.
- To compare microcirculation in atopic patients versus healthy controls.
- To assess the role of vasoconstriction in atopic skin pallor.
Main Methods:
- Laser-Doppler microfluxometry (LDF) for blood flow measurement.
- Infrared thermography (IR-TH) for skin temperature assessment.
- Standardized skin stroking to elicit dermographism.
Main Results:
- Reduced hyperemia intensity in atopic patients compared to controls.
- Lower radiating skin temperature in atopic patients measured by IR-TH.
- Correlation between dermographic blanching severity and reduced hyperemia.
Conclusions:
- Dermographic pallor in atopic skin is linked to local vasoconstriction.
- Altered blood flow in cutaneous shunt vessels may be involved.
- LDF and IR-TH are valuable for studying atopic microcirculation.