Summary

The aims of the study were the definition of points of measurement (PMs) for the thickness of the skin (epidermis & dermis), which will be reproducible for further investigations. These PMs should be tested in an explorative study on healthy subjects of both genders and a limited range of age. Furthermore these initial data should be statistically analyzed in relation to gender and body mass index (BMI). Participants, material, methods: The thickness of the skin was measured in 112 healthy volunteers (43 women, 69 men; 19–28 years) of Caucasian origin with 12.0-MHz-machines in B-mode at 24 locations (quadrants 1–6). In women, the data were corrected for their menstrual cycle and/or their intake of contraceptive drugs. Results: The thinnest skin was found at the right foot (PM 41: Ø 0.790 mm), whereas the thickest skin was found at the ventral chest (PM 67: Ø 1.476 mm). Skin-thickness ranged from 0.45 (PM 41 & 42; women) up to 2.00 mm (PM 57 & 67; men). We found no correlation between the age and the skin-thickness. A high correlation was found with both BMI (r ≤ 0.411) and body-height (r ≤ 0.593). Conclusion: Women had a significantly thinner skin than men. The male skin was up to 1.428 times thicker (PM 42) than the female skin.