Assessment of epithelial thickness by ultrasonic imaging.

Abstract

Moisturizing creams and lotions are an important aspect of preventing pressure ulcers. This study reports the increased thickening of the epithelium on 11 subjects who used a moisturizing cream (treatment) for 20 days. The thickening of the epithelium was measured before use of the moisturizing cream, on day 1, day 8, and day 20 of the treatment, and 12 days after the treatment. The ultrasound measurements were similar before the treatment and 12 days post treatment; the measurements increased for the days of treatment. Current research would lead us to believe that short-term increase in epithelial thickness as produced by a moisturizer is a result of increased water content. Ultrasound imaging may be the new standard for comparing the effects of moisturing products.