Lintzeri DA, Karimian N, Blume-Peytavi U, Kottner J, et al.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV. Date of publication 2022 Aug 1;volume 36(8):1191-1200.
1. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 Aug;36(8):1191-1200. doi:
10.1111/jdv.18123. Epub 2022 Apr 13.
Epidermal thickness in healthy humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lintzeri DA(1), Karimian N(1), Blume-Peytavi U(1), Kottner J(2).
Author information:
(1)Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinical Research
Center for Hair and Skin Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate
Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin,
Germany.
(2)Institute of Clinical Nursing Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin,
Berlin, Germany.
Several skin diseases are characterized by epidermal alterations affecting
epidermal thickness. Reference values of epidermal thickness in healthy humans
and knowledge of possible differences regarding age, sex, skin phototype, and
ethnic origin are essential in research and in clinical practice. The objectives
of this systematic review were to provide epidermal thickness reference values
for healthy human skin and describe possible effects of measurement methods,
age, sex, ethnic origin, and skin phototype. A combined search in the databases
Medline and Embase, and other sources were conducted. Searches covered a period
from 1946 to 3 June 2020. Included studies were primarily observational and
interventional studies providing means and spread values of epidermal thickness
estimates in healthy humans, with clear reporting of skin area, age, and
measurement method, and optional reporting of sex, ethnic origin, and skin
phototype. Data were extracted per skin area and pooled in random-effects
models. A total of 142 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and
133 in the meta-analysis. Pooled epidermal thickness estimates were calculated
for 37 skin areas. The lowest epidermal thickness of 31.2 (95% CI 27.8-34.6) μm
was reported for the penis and the highest of 596.6 (95% CI 443.9-749.3) μm for
the plantar aspect of the foot. Differences in epidermal thickness estimates
obtained by histology, optical coherence tomography, and laser scanning
microscopy were minor. High-frequency ultrasonography produces systematically
higher values. The epidermis was thinner in aged skin. Differences between sexes
and among ethnic origins were minor. Epidermal thickness reference values are
provided for 37 skin areas. In conclusion, the epidermis tends to become thinner
by ageing and does not seem to be influenced by sex. Histology, optical
coherence tomography, and laser scanning microscopy might be used
interchangeably to measure epidermal thickness, whereas high-frequency
ultrasound should not be used.
© 2022 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and
Venereology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of
Dermatology and Venereology.
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18123
PMID: 35366353 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
