Thermal response of skin to application of localized pressure

Pressure was applied to a small circular area of the skin over the trochanter of human subjects for variable time periods. The local skin temperature response was monitored during and after pressure application. Pressures of 100, 200, and 300mmHg were applied for time periods of between 11 and 67 minutes. Upon the release of pressure the local skin temperature rose quickly and then gradually decreased. Peak temperature responses occurred at between 3 and 5 minutes after pressure release. Larger pressure and longer application times produced larger peak temperature increases, with the largest individual increase being 1.9C. The data derived from the study tend to quantify what clinicians have long appreciated in a qualitative sense, especially in areas where decubitus ulcers most often occur.