The magnificent theater under the skin
In a new, special section of the Journal of Biomedical Optics, published by the International Society for Optics and Photonics, were recently presented impressive examples of new non-invasive optical techniques. The use of laser beams, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and spectroscopic methods. All these techniques allow the exploration and rendering structures and tissues that are located below the surface of the skin. They are used in a wide variety of medical and cosmetic fields, for example:
treatment of burns,
identification of skin cancer forms,
accelerate wound healing.
Overlooked Cinderella?
As a sensory organ, the skin is an essential means of interpersonal communication. As highlighted in a special section guest editor of the magazine expert dr. Lademann of Charity Universitätsmedizin Berlin, skin is the largest organ of the body that performs many functions:
used as the protective barrier against the environment,
provides protection against water loss,
prevents microorganisms invade the body,
sensitive to external stimuli.
When light heals
Skin barrier and underlying layer of living cells represent an ideal target for investigation of optical and spectroscopic methods, because the skin is easily accessible. Typically utilizes light emission, which operates outside the body. Depending on the response to different wavelengths of light can know what processes in the different skin layers underway. Optical imaging methods are becoming increasingly popular in the field of pharmacology. Doctors use them:
the exploration and evaluation of the penetration of locally applied medicines to the skin,
when taking blood flow,
the analysis of the wound healing process.
Source: Healing ran.cz