The electrical properties of leg skin in normal individuals and in patients with ischemia.

Measurements of skin electrical admittance were performed on the leg in healthy controls and patients with ischemia. The experiments were carried out using sinusoidal wave voltage at seven frequencies from 100 Hz to 100 kHz applied using two electrodes. The character of the frequency dependencies of admittance for both groups arises from stratum corneum--in the frequencies up to 10 kHz, and the underlying tissue of skin, above this frequency. Legs change their passive electrical properties due to ischemia. The measured data are interpreted as cell membranes become more permeable and thus an efflux of intracellular electrolyte.