Changes in skin biomechanics during hemodialysis

Skin extensibility in 21 subjects (belonging to two different age groups) undergoing hemodialysis has been investigated. Measurements have been performed on the forearm before and after two hours of dialytic treatment. A significant decrease of skin extensibility (P < 0.02) has been recorded in the elderly prior to the dialytic procedure; the data is consistent with an increased dermal water content. Water removal during treatment led to normalization of extensometric levels (P < 0.05). However, improvement of skin extensibility is not directly related to the amount of water withdrawn. The study support the importance of water in determining skin viscoelastic responses; hemodialysis is a useful model to monitor the effects of water on skin biomechanics.