Optical properties of human skin

Abstract

Abstract. A survey of the literature is presented that provides an analysis of the optical properties of human skin, with particular regard to their applications in medicine. Included is a description of the primary interactions of light with skin and how these are commonly estimated using radiative transfer theory (RTT). This is followed by analysis of measured RTT coefficients available in the literature. Orders of magnitude differences are found within published absorption and reduced-scattering coefficients. Causes for these discrepancies are discussed in detail, including contrasts between data acquired in vitro and in vivo. An analysis of the phase functions applied in skin optics, along with the remaining optical coefficients (anisotropy factors and refractive indices) is also included. The survey concludes that further work in the field is necessary to establish a definitive range of realistic coefficients for clinically normal skin.

Simulating light transport through skin for color prediction of port wine stain lesions: a review

“…9 It is these characteristics, as well as the properties of overlying skin (such as epidermal melanin content) which constitute the color of PWS skin. 10 The simplest method of assessing PWS color is through visual observation. However, this is both subjective and qualitative.…”

“…These adjusted features, such as concentrations and distributions of melanin and hemoglobin, can be used to inform diagnosis or treatment. Simulations of skin color require an understanding of the optical properties of skin, 10 and must consider the prominent interactions of light. This article addresses the latter, presenting a comprehensive review and analysis of the approaches used to simulate light transport through PWS skin.…”

A new Monte Carlo program for simulating light transport through Port Wine Stain skin

“…The optical coefficients applied to each layer of the skin model were based upon an analysis of the literature [17] (Figure 1). Absorption coefficients from Meglinski and Matcher's work [8] were applied alongside reduced scattering coefficients from Zonios et al [18].…”

An intelligent telemedicine system for detection of diabetic foot complications

“…The spectral properties of tissue are determined by the interaction of light with human tissue [45][46][47]. The light incident onto human skin may be absorbed by skin chromophores.…”

“…Any small changes in the distribution of these skin chromophores may result in obvious changes in skin spectral reflectance. Besides, tissue structures and contents, such as thickness of the epidermis layer, determine the formation of the scattered diffuse reflection, which also accounts for changes in spectral reflection [45][46][47]. Impairments in microcirculation and macrocirculation of the diabetic foot play an important role in the development of diabetic foot ulcerations and the subsequent failure to heal [4,9,[12][13][14][15]48].…”