TITLE:
In vivo study of biomechanical properties in psoriasis vulgaris: Effectiveness of sulfur spa therapy
AUTHORS:
Sergio Mazzulla, Virgilia Nicoletta, Ida Perrotta, Stefania De Stefano, Settimio Sesti
KEYWORDS:
Psoriasis; Sulfur Spa Therapy; Mechanichal Properties of Skin; Skin Meter
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Molecular and Integrative Physiology,
Vol.3 No.1,
February
19,
2013
ABSTRACT: Psoriasis
is a prolonged inflammation of the skin. The causes of psoriasis are still
unclear. The treatment options depend on the severity of the disease and may
include topical agents (such as topically-applied drugs, sulfur spa therapy,
phototherapy) and systemic agents (orally or percutaneously administered). The
aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of the skin in
psoriatic plaques before and after treatment with sulfur therapy (Thermae Luigiane,
Guardia Piemontese—Acquappesa,
Italy), in comparison with the skin of healthy subjects. The study has been
performed on 20 psoriatic plaques (10 on upper arm, 10 on upper back) and 10
control subjects (healthy males aged 47 ± 15). The efficacy of sulfur therapy
was observed through the evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the
skin. Investigation was performed with a Skin meter, an instrument useful to
determine the physiological parameters by the means of a suction method, a
non-invasive in vivo suction. The apparatus was equipped with 2-mm measuring
probe. Unlike the optical method, in our test the color and/or distribution of
the skin micro-circulation didn’t interfere with the measurement. The
evaluation of mechanical properties of the psoriatic plaques after treatment
showed a significative recovery of the parameters analysed, with an increase of
the elasticity parameters (Ur, Ua, Ua/Uf, Ur/Uf) and a decrease of the
viscoelasticity module (Uv/Ue).