Study of the primary crest 'pavement' structure in healthy skin.

Abstract

The primary crest surface of the healthy skin may have a smooth appearance or form a 'pavement'-like picture because of the presence of circular or polygonal subunits. In this study, the primary crest pavement structure was examined in different sites of healthy skin. The pavement structure was found in 70-100% of the adjacent areas of the palms and soles, and also on the skin of the elbows and knees. This pavement formation is absent on the skin surface of other areas or may be found in a small percentage of 5-20%. It is possible that the pavement structure could represent modified dermatoglyphics in the hairy skin.