Measurement of skin thickness: a comparison of two in vivo techniques with a conventional histometric method.

Two in vivo techniques which are rapid, inexpensive, and reproducible have been investigated. The first is a standardized radiological (xerographic) technique which we have shown is capable of detecting small degrees of dermal atrophy after the application of topical corticosteroid preparations for only one month. The second technique employs the Harpenden Skinfold Caliper used in an unconventional manner so as to exclude subcutaneous fat. We have shown that this too is capable of detecting dermal atrophy from the application of topical corticosteroids and that there is a strong correlation between the two techniques (r = 0.82, p less than 0.001). Histometric techniques, on the other hand, give inaccurate and erroneous results for dermal thickness.