Age changes in absolute and relative surface areas of the human body

Abstract

Summary Sex differences and age changes in total and partial surface areas were studied in a series of eighty-nine males and forty-five females. The surface areas were computed from body measurements according to a method published by Skerlj and Kulcar (1956). The results show considerable individual variations at all age levels, whereas the relative surface areas do not vary or change much. Most of the differences stated are significant according to the t -test. The relative surface area of the trunk is constant at about a fourth of the whole surface area, at all age levels in both sexes. Tables II and IV provide basic data for computing individual absolute surface areas of skin injuries, whereas Table VI gives a picture of variation of absolute surface areas for six body parts in both sexes. Similar studies should be carried out for each major geographical region, particularly for clinical research and treatment. From the results, more exact and adequate treatment of major skin injuries may be expected. Further studies on children from birth to 6 years of age, as well as on older people (above 50 years of age) seem to be urgent.