Measurement of dermal thickness with the Harpenden skinfold caliper

A simple method of determining skin thickness using the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper is described. Using this technique the atrophy caused by the topical application of Fluocinolone acetonide in normal volunteers has been detected. As a comparison the skin thickness was also measured in the same individuals by an established x-ray technique. Not only was a similar degree of atrophy observed but also a high degree of correlation (r=0.82, n=32, P less than 0.001) was found between the values obtained with both techniques.