Infra red thermal imaging of the skin quantifies reactive hyperaemia

Infra red thermal imaging is a highly developed procedure for mapping skin temperature distribution, It is possible to induce local skin blood flow changes by chemical, radiation and thermal stress to the skin. Localised trauma from mechanical stress can also be measured by this technique from a two dimensional dynamic image. Examples of experimental U.V. erythema, topical vasodilator, and cold stress reaction to the hands are described. In the latter case an index of vasospasticity can be calculated in Raynauds Phenomenon, and reactive hyperaemia may be induced in normal hands.