Influence of chronic haemodialysis on the mechanical properties of skin.

Certain features of the skin of patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis suggest an ageing process. Seventy-two haemodialysed patients were studied by a non-invasive technique using the Cutometer SM 474 to determine biomechanical properties of the skin. Patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis showed some impairment of changes in viscous properties of skin similar to chronological age, while specific changes directly related to elasticity were minimal.