Non-invasive methods for determination of oedema and water behaviour in the skin

In an accompanying review, Mani and coworkers discuss methods for measurement of global oedema of the limb. Here, we have concentrated on methodology enabling investigation of oedema and water compartment selectively in the skin and its layers. Results of the studies with magnetic resonance and ultrasound based methods are reviewed.

The behaviour of water in normal young and aged skin has been characterised with magnetic resonance and ultrasonography. Little is yet known about water distribution and behaviour in skin oedema characteristic e.g. for the post-thrombotic syndrome and lymphoedema. Further research in this field is likely to be carried out in the future.