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Abstract
Hand skin temperature measurements have previously been performed on either dorsal
or palmar sides and it is possible to find arguments for the advantage of both locations.
Therefore, the aim of this study was to use dynamic infrared (IR) imaging to examine
the relationship between dorsal and palmar hand skin temperature. The palmar and dorsal
hand skin temperature before and after a cold stress test was measured with IR thermography
in 112 healthy participants. Calculation of surface average temperature was made from
nine regions of interest on each hand's dorsal and palmar side. Temperature values
were recorded at baseline, directly after immersion of hands in vinyl gloves for one
minute in water at 20 ±0.5 °C (gloves removed), and after eight minutes rewarming.
Results showed that: a) the skin temperatures on the dorsal and palmar sides of the
hand are strongly correlated; b) the correlation is stronger on the fingers than on
the carpometacarpal (CMC) area; c) the palmar side of the CMC area is warmer than
the dorsal side, but this is reversed in the fingers so that the nail bed is warmer
than the finger pad; and d) the temperature difference ∆T between the dorsal and palmar
sides of the fingers is independent of the skin temperature, though ∆T on the CMC
area of the hand is temperature dependent. Such differences can be important in detailed
investigations of thermal phenomena in the hand. In conclusion, results showed a strong
correlation between the dorsal and palmar temperatures. If both sides cannot be measured,
the purpose of the investigation should determine which side of the hand should be
measured.