Healthc Inform Res.  2010 Sep;16(3):143-148. 10.4258/hir.2010.16.3.143.

A New Method for Non-Invasive Measurement of Skin in the Low Frequency Range

• Kim MS
• Cho Y
• Seo ST
• Son CS
• Park HJ
• Kim YN

• KMID: 2284526
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2010.16.3.143

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of our study was to estimate skin structure and conductivity distribution in a cross section of local tissue using non-invasive measurement of impedance data. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of skin depth information through computer simulations. The multilayer tissue model was composed of epidermis, dermis tissues, and subcutaneous.
METHODS
In this study, electrical characteristics of skin models were used for conductivity of 0.13 S/m, 0.26 S/m, 0.52 S/m, permittivity of 94,000 F/m, and a frequency of 200 Hz. The effect of the new method was assessed by computer simulations using three-electrode methods. A non-invasive electrical impedance method has been developed for analysis using computer simulation and a skin electrical model with low frequency range. Using the three-electrode method differences through the potentials between measurement electrodes and reference electrodes can be easily detected. The Cole electrical impedance model, which is better suited for skin was used in this study.
RESULTS
In this study, experiments using three-electrode methods were described by computer simulation based on a simple model. This electrical impedance model was fitted and developed in comparison with our model for measurement of skin impedance.
CONCLUSIONS
The proposed electrical model for skin is suitable for use in interpretation of changes in impedance characterization of the skin. Using the computer simulation method, information on skin impedance depth can be more accurately developed and predicted.

Keyword

Non-invasive; Skin Electrical Model; Multilayer Tissue Model; Cole Model; Three Electrode Method

MeSH Terms

Computer Simulation
Dermis
Electric Impedance
Electrodes
Epidermis
Skin

Figure

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  Figure 1 Three-electrode measurement method.

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  Figure 2 By spherical symmetry, the current density J at a point P located at a distance r from the source is equal to the total current crossing a spherical surface with radius r.

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  Figure 3 (A) Three-layer finite element model showing current distribution. Each current electrode is 4 mm in width. (B) Comparison of skin impedance with measuring position. (C) Comparison of skin impedance with the measuring distance. (D) Comparison of skin impedance with the measuring depth.

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  Figure 4 Result of impedance values when the edge measuring electrodes using four electrode.

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  Figure 5 Skin impedance is estimated using skin electrical model. CPE: constant phase element.

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