FOITS (Fast Optical In-vivo Topometry of human Skin) is a new technique for the three-dimensional analysis of the microstructures of the skin. Based on the surface roughness standards used in the
metal-working industry, it uses computer-assisted strip analysis to process information gathered from high-speed, non-contact scanning. It is possible to visualise the mathematical data in 3D form. So far, surface relief parameters have had to be acquired indirectly by first making
silicone casts of the skin and then digitalising them with image analysis, mechanical scanners or, more recent,
laser profilometry and confocal microscopy. We selected the roughness parameters Ra, Rz and Rmax (DIN defined) and "positive" and "negative" volume to describe the skin surface. In 40 healthy volunteers we were able to define significant intra-individual differences in these roughness parameters, which were correlated with the location of the area of skin being scanned (p < 0.05). When healthy areas of skin were compared with areas of chronic
eczema in 10 patients with
neurodermatitis the differences in the above-mentioned roughness parameters were just as striking (p < 0.05). In patients with chronic
atopic eczema there was a statistically significant correlation between changes in the parameters "positive" and "negative" volume, and the smoothing of the skin seen after 14 days of treatment with standard
ointments (p < 0.02). Apart from its industrial uses, we see potential applications for FOITS in the investigation of quantitative and qualitative aspects of aging processes, physiological and
pathological processes in the skin, and the effect of topical preparations applied to the skin.