DERMATACT introduces a new quality into dermatology, that has not yet been available:

Tactile sensing by a precise instrument (AFM).

Individual phenotypes are staged accurately in an operator-independent manner – available to everybody via sample shipment.

An adhesive tape is gently placed onto a skin patch, removed and sent by post to our lab.

The painlessly collected cells (corneocytes) bear relevant information about the skin status – just through their texture.

Cellular surface architecture is condensed to a  number: Dermal Texture Index (DTI). An elevated DTI indicates a compromised skin function. The DTI correlates well to physiological and clinical scores, but is more sensitive.

DERMATACT can detect cellular alterations before visible signs appear. Therefore, it  is an ultimate tool for preventive medicine, occupational health and cosmetics.

Minute traces on cell surfaces are „read“ like a braille text.

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) records the topographical maps of skin cells at nanoscale resolution.

Computer vision distills a specific number value (DTI). DTI indicates a cellular „stress“ level, which relates to moisture content and skin barrier function.

Since skin is continuously abraded and regenerated, surfacial cells carry information from deeper tissue layers. As a phenotyping biomarker, DTI integrates both hereditary and lifestyle factors.

DTI is a biomarker, potentially hinting at elevated risk. It does not give a diagnosis (benign vs. malignant alterations or similar).

For therapeutic implications, please see your dermatologist.

No genetic analysis is performed.