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Physical and Physiological Influence of Medical Ointments on Infrared Thermography

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Recent Advances in Medical Thermology

Abstract

Emission of electromagnetic energy at infrared wavelengths from the human body surface is the physical basis of infrared thermography (IRT). This implies that infrared emission of skin is well known and constant. If this is so then real surface temperatures can be calculated from detected radiance values. Local or temporary differences in emissivity of skin, however, can lead to misinterpretation of IRT measurements taken either for diagnosis or disease follow up.

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References

  1. J. Steketee, Spectral emissivity of skin and pericardium, Phys. Med. Biol. 18: 686–694 (1973).

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  2. J. Steketee, The influence of cosmetics and ointments on the spectral emissivity of skin, Phys. Med. Biol. 21: 920–930 (1976).

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© 1984 Plenum Press, New York

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Engel, J.M. (1984). Physical and Physiological Influence of Medical Ointments on Infrared Thermography. In: Ring, E.F.J., Phillips, B. (eds) Recent Advances in Medical Thermology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-7697-2_23

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-7697-2_23

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-7699-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-7697-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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