Optical analysis of displacement and strain fields on human skin

Background/aims: The aim of this article is to propose a new way to measure the mechanical behaviour of skin by using optical analysis software. Some examples on scars and stretch marks show the validity and the prospects of such a method. Methods: Software is used to compare two states of deformation. The user takes two photos of the skin surface he wants to study, before and after the deformation is applied. The software is used to process the data. Results: The software gives a mapping of the displacement, and strain fields of the area studied. Investigations can be realised in vitro or in vivo, and it is possible to study, for example, cutaneous lesions like scars and stretch marks. Conclusions: The method presented gives convincing results, which open many prospects in dermatology, surgery and cosmetology.