title: Optical analysis of displacement and strain fields on human skin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: Applied Mechanics Laboratory R. Chaléat, Besançon, France.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Marcellier
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vescovo
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Varchon
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vacher
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Humbert
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000503:physiopathology; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012984:Software / Q000592:standards; D013314:Stress, Mechanical