Thermographic mapping of the skin surface of the head in bald-headed male subjects

Thermal patterns on the skin are related to skin blood perfusion. While knowledge concerning thermal distribution patterns of the face are well established, the thermal distribution patterns of the skin surface of other aspects of the head has only been investigated once previously in a study employing low resolution thermographic equipment [van Dulken, H., van Voss, S.F.C.H, 1971. The normal thermographic patterns of the human head. Acta Neurochir. 23, 247–58.] The purpose of the study was to re-examine the thermal distribution patterns of the surface of the entire head in 12 healthy bald headed male subjects (mean age 39±7.8 (SD) years) using a high definition infrared (IR) thermographic camera. The thermal distribution patterns were monitored using dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) before, during and after a 2 min local skin cooling procedure with a pair of fans. Infrared thermal images (thermograms) were taken of the superior, anterior, lateral and posterior aspects of the head. The thermal patterns in general followed the anatomical location of the main superficial arteries and veins of the head as described in anatomy books although there were some variations, especially with regard to the forehead and top of the head (superior aspect), ranging from an asymmetrical distribution pattern to a lack of a clear thermal pattern. The thermal patterns in the left and right lateral thermograms in each individual were relatively symmetrical. During the rewarming period the helix, auricular lobule of the auricles and the nose were relatively cold. The frontal thermograms were characterized by cool nasal and cheek areas and a clear warm area surrounding the eyes, especially around the inner canthus.

► Skin thermal patterns of bald headed subjects were mapped by dynamic IR-thermography.
► Thermal patterns match the anatomical location of main superficial arteries and veins.
► Thermal patterns show large inter- and intra-individual variation in symmetry.