A simple method for the evaluation of epidermal thickness variations in psoriasis vulgaris.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the "variation" of the epidermal thickness and variables such as the mean, maximum, and minimum thickness for the diagnosis and follow-up of some skin diseases such as psoriasis.


METHODS
A simple quantitative method is described. A series of psoriasis vulgaris cases is provided as an example. Biopsy samples taken before and after topical treatment were used.


RESULTS
The mean thickness was higher in lesions compared to the perilesional control skin (p < 0.001) and post-treatment lesional area (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The thickness of the epidermis varies due to a multitude of factors. Measuring the mean epidermal thickness may be important. However, this measurement may not be the best way for studies involving a series of patients and a variety of lesion sites. The natural variations in the thickness of the epidermis of different body sites and of different persons may prevent the usage of thickness measurements alone on a wider scale. It is hoped that this method can be used for evaluation of certain skin diseases affecting epidermal thickness where variation of the epidermal thickness is a potentially useful diagnostic and therapeutic variable.
Demiriz
Murat
M
Department of Pathology, Gülhane Military Medical Academy and School of Medicine, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey. mdemiriz@gata.edu.tr
Kurumlu
Zafer
Z
Celasun
Bülent
B
Günhan
Omer
O
D001706:Biopsy; D004817:Epidermis / Q000473:pathology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity