Comparing thermal imaging and non-contact infrared thermometers for monitoring skin temperature in a prospective cohort with lower limb cellulitis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Skin temperature assessment is essential for the diagnosis of cellulitis and monitoring treatment response, but is currently subjective and can contribute to overdiagnosis. We aimed to characterise skin temperature changes over time in cellulitis and compare two objective measurement approaches, a thermal imaging camera (TIC) and a non-contact infrared thermometer (NCIT).

Design

A device comparison study nested within a prospective cohort. We measured limb temperatures daily for 4 days using a TIC and two NCITs.

Setting

Two acute hospitals in the UK's National Health Service.

Participants

202 adults (age ≥18 years) diagnosed with lower limb cellulitis who attended hospital for antibiotic treatment.

Outcome measures

We used linear mixed-effects

SUBMITTER: Cross ELA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273091 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature