Linear polarimetry for analysis of skin degenerative alterations

Abstract

Investigation and characterization of the basic polarimetric characteristics on different cutaneous degenerative conditions (Syndrome of Raynaud, lupus, and psoriasis) histological samples was carried out to evaluate the potential for analysis of skin degenerative alterations. Stained and unstained histological samples from the different groups of degenerative conditions of the skin were histologically addressed and were used for polarimetric measurements. Diode laser linearly polarized beam at 635 nm was used for irradiation of the samples and polarimeter, working in the visible spectral range 400-700 nm was applied for polarimetric measurements. We will present the results of histology tissue slides evaluation through Stokes polarimetry in transmission geometry. These studies allow analysis of skin degenerative alterations in collagen anisotropic structuration in extracellular matrix and could be used as indicators of the tissue condition. Therefore, the present work would make possible the establishment of database with polarimetric features of degenerative skin conditions.