Measurement of Skin Impedance, Using ECG Electrodes, to Monitor Skin Barrier Function of Skin Subjected to Static Pressure

Abstract

This paper describes how skin impedance, and changes in skin impedance due to systematic thinning of the stratum corneum by tape stripping or applied pressure, can be easily and cheaply measured using commercial Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. Interpretation of skin impedance spectra is detailed, including use of fitted resistance from equivalent circuit models. Thinning / damage of the stratum corneum was measured systematically on ex vivo porcine skin with a reported decrease in fitted stratum corneum resistance. These results gave confidence in the interpretation of skin impedance spectra. The effect of applied static pressure on both ex vivo porcine skin and in vivo human skin was then studied; the results suggest that skin impedance spectra (measured using ECG electrodes) may have utility in giving early warning of skin pressure injury prior to clinical symptoms.

Keywords: Impedance, epidermis, pressure, non-invasive, detection