Gravitational syndrome and tensile properties of skin in the elderly.
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the influence of gravitational edema due to chronic venous insufficiency upon the tensile properties of skin. METHOD: A total of 30 women aged 66-75 years participated in the study. Evaluations were made twice in the same subjects following the use or nonuse of daytime elastic compression. Mechanical properties of the skin were measured in the midportion of the legs using a computerized suction device. RESULTS: The consistency of skin which shows abnormal rheological characteristics at the site of gravitational edema was significantly modified by compression therapy. Both skin extensibility and hysteresis were increased after wearing tight stockings although the biologic elasticity remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive measurements of the tensile properties of the skin represent an objective assessment of the severity of leg edema and of its correction by compression therapy.