Table 2.

Summary of some relevant considerations for the measurement of skin temperature.

Component of system	Consideration for component
Skin	Selection of sites and consistency of placement Homogeneity of surface skin temperature Temperature gradients within the skin itself Lateral heat transfer from skin adjacent to the site being measured Sweating Sensor pressure (depression into the skin)
Skin-sensor interface	Thermal contact resistance Contact surface area
Sensor	Physical dimensions (including surface area of the sensor versus that of the skin site covered) and thermal properties (including the resultant thermal resistance) Obstruction of evaporative heat loss from skin Calibration method and range
Attachment	Physical dimensions and thermal properties (including thermal resistance and water vapour resistance) For tapes covering the sensor, emissivity and wetting characteristics for distributing liquid sweat Effectiveness of remaining in place during prolonged use or physical activity
Clothing or coverings and associated microclimate	Present or not Temperature gradients (microclimate temperature will typically be closer to skin temperature where clothing/coverings used than without) Air velocity Humidity
Wider environment for uncovered sites	Temperature gradients (difference from skin temperature) including air temperature and radiant temperature Air velocity Humidity

This list is not complete and not all of the factors will be relevant in each case.