In vivo spectroscopy in dermatology: methods and new fields of application

Background The human skin is an easily accessible organ on which non-invasi ve examination methods can be applied. Remittance spectroscopy uses registr ation of the proportion of reflected light from the skin surface. Optical c haracteristics of skin are determined by scattering, reflection and absorpt ion. The remittance is influenced by various test conditions and topography . Spectroscopic methods are applied for determination of microcirculation, measuring of erythema and pigmentation and in pharmacology and toxicology o f applied drugs. Conclusion The standardization of spectroscopic measurement of human skin i s essential to reduce error sources. In future a better investigation of sk in structures and molecules, which are responsible for optical characterist ics of skin and a more precise evaluation of spectroscopic signals are nece ssary to get more information about the state of skin and to develop new fi elds of applications, such as early diagnosis of skin diseases or monitorin g of metabolic processes.