Skin tension lines

Wrinkle lines of the skin caused by the alignment of the elastic and collagen fiber systems of the skin. The skin wrinkle lines are only visible when the skin is relaxed. Their course depends on the patient's age, nutritional status, general condition and anatomical peculiarities, if any. On the face, skin tension lines follow the mimic musculature. On the trunk and extremities, they run largely horizontally. In the area of the joints, they take an individual course.

The surgical incision is generally guided along the skin tension lines. In this respect, these tension lines have a practical significance for the surgeon, since observance of the skin tension lines is a prerequisite for optimal wound healing and scar formation.

When the skin is folded, the tension lines become clear. In the thoracodorsal region, the distribution of Langer lines leads to a so-called "Christmas tree pattern".

Langer lines acquire diagnostic significance when disease aligns with the direction of the lines of cleavage. This results in a macro pattern that is relatively easy to recognize.

• Syphilitic exanthema
• Kaposi's sarcoma, epidemic
• parapsoriasis en plaques
• mycosis fungoides
• Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
• pityriasis rosea
• Verrucae seborrhoicae in multiple sowing