Human cutaneous topography a new photographic technique: observations on normal skin.

We describe herein a convenient and inexpensive technique for photographic examination of the surface of the skin. With this method, the fine lines of the skin appear as furrows or folds. The furrows demarcate units of epidermal structure which we have designated polyangular units. These, in turn, are arranged in a mosaic pattern. This technique was used to define the topography of normal young adults. Surface features fall into four major patterns: 1) dermatoglyphic, 2) hair bearing, 3) frictional, and 4) flexural.