Optical Coherence Tomography as a Biomedical Monitor in Human Skin

Abstract

Skin is not only the largest organ in the human body but also serves to protect and mediate interactions with diverse mechanical, thermal, optical, and hygroscopic environments. Use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a potential diagnostic imaging modality in human skin was recognized in seminal studies by Schmitt et. al.1Recent results2demonstrate that the major structural components of human skin (i.e., epidermis and dermis) may be resolved using OCT. In the following, we discuss two potential dermatological applications of OCT, present images of ex-vivo human skin, and speculate on directions for future research.