Thermography: The Skin as a Window to Health
Understanding Thermography
Thermography is a highly sensitive technique focused on examining the skin, which is the body’s largest, most intelligent, and most accessible organ. This method evaluates temperature changes on the skin’s surface, providing a dynamic map of metabolic activity. The skin acts as a central communication hub, operating as an interactive, bi-directional network that relays information between various bodily systems, including the neurological, immune, and endocrine systems. Through these connections, the skin captures and transmits crucial physiological data. Thermography serves as a monitoring tool, measuring and interpreting these metabolic signals and offering real-time insights into the body’s inner workings.
Non-Verbal Health Indicators and the Value of Thermography
The skin provides visible, non-verbal cues about our health that are often observable with the naked eye. Changes in skin color can reveal a range of conditions, such as insufficient oxygen, physical trauma, exposure to chemicals or radiation, temperature extremes, emotional reactions like embarrassment or stress, and even the effects of alcohol or tobacco use. These visual signs, along with the presence of skin disorders, can be early indicators of morbidity, advanced tissue damage, or psychological disturbances. While these outward signals are important, thermography offers a deeper, more comprehensive view. By detecting subtle temperature variations that are invisible to the eye, thermography gives us a more precise and informative look at the state of our health—one that goes beyond what can be seen on the surface.
June Drennon, CCT
June Drennon is a seasoned Thermographer who has performed thousands of thermography reports over the years. She has seen first hand the value Thermography offers in identifying risk factors and helping to prevent and monitor developing pathology. She believes that knowledge is power and that it is important to have the information to avoid creating an environment that supports the growth of disease. She enjoys helping people empower themselves so that they may be proactive and possess the health and well-being that they desire.
Patient Pre-Thermography Study Instructions
Unless specifically instructed by your physician, you should wait at least three months after any form of surgery (including biopsy), the completion of chemotherapy or radiation before your study.
Avoid any natural or artificial tanning for three (3) days prior to your study.
You must not have had significant fevers (102° or more) within thirty-six hours of your study or have any level of fever on the day of your study. Refrain from a sauna, steam-room or hot/cold packs for at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to your study.
There should be no new bruising, rashes or skin irritation on the day of your study.
With your physician’s permission, please do not use the following medications for twelve hours prior to your study: niacin or niacin patch (500 milligrams or more), nitroglycerin or any migraine medication.
Avoid any tobacco use or caffeinated coffee or tea consumption for two (2) hours prior to your study. Avoid vigorous exercise, bathing or showering for one (1) hour prior to your study.
Long hair should be worn up or pulled back off your shoulders prior to your study.
For Breast Imaging: Avoid any vigorous physical stimulation, examination or compression of the breasts (self or clinical examination, ultrasound or mammogram) for at least three days prior to your study.
Do not use any skin creams, lotions, deodorants or powders that may cause inflammation on your breasts or underarms on the day of your study. We recommend women wear a blouse and pants or skirt to your study and please do not wear an underwire bra to the exam.
For Men: The “Men’s Health Study” or “Full Body Study” will require that your abdomen is revealed so it is best to wear brief underwear or a “Speedo”. You will not be required to remove your underwear.