Skin lines are anatomical features on the skin, which include: Langer's lines, Blaschko's lines, and Kraissl's lines.^[1] They have uses in some surgeries, or in diagnosis.

Types

Langer's lines are topological lines made on a map of the human body. The lines run parallel to collagen fibers. They are useful in forensics, and some surgeries.^[2][3] Langer's lines are useful in cosmetic surgery, and breast surgery where they include static tension lines that can mark a guide for the incisions.^[2]

Kraissl's lines are lines of maximal skin tension.

Blaschko's lines are lines of normal cell development in the skin. Sometimes they are due to genetic conditions and may exhibit different amounts of melanin. The volume expansion seen in pregnancy can create strange skin patterns known as Blashko's lines.^[1]

References