title: Biomechanics in dermatology: Recent advances and future directions.
abstract: Biomechanics is increasingly being recognized as an important research area in dermatology. To highlight only a few examples, biomechanics has contributed to the development of novel topical therapies for aesthetic and medical purposes, enhanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of plantar melanoma, and provided insight into the epidemiology of psoriatic disease. This article summarizes the findings from recent studies to demonstrate the important role that biomechanics may have in dermatologic disease and therapy and places these biomechanical findings in a clinical context for the practicing physician. In addition, areas for future biomechanics research and development in dermatology are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Program, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Leaders in Medicine Program, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada. Electronic address: lewinson@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Ryan T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Lewinson
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Haber
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003880:Dermatology / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases
keywords: aesthetics; engineering; melanoma; psoriasis; skin; topical therapy