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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

Characterising the biophysical properties of normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin

Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Plantar foot skin exhibits unique biophysical properties that are distinct from skin on other areas of the body. This paper characterises, using non-invasive methods, the biophysical properties of foot skin in healthy and pathological states including xerosis, heel fissures, calluses and corns.

Methods

Ninety three people participated. Skin hydration, elasticity, collagen and elastin fibre organisation and surface texture was measured from plantar calluses, corns, fissured heel skin and xerotic heel skin. Previously published criteria were applied to classify the severity of each skin lesion and differences in the biophysical properties compared between each classification.

Results

Calluses, corns, xerotic heel skin and heel fissures had significantly lower levels of hydration; less elasticity and greater surface texture than unaffected skin sites (p < 0.01). Some evidence was found for a positive correlation between hydration and elasticity data (r ≤ 0.65) at hyperkeratotic sites. Significant differences in skin properties (with the exception of texture) were noted between different classifications of skin lesion.

Conclusions

This study provides benchmark data for healthy and different severities of pathological foot skin. These data have applications ranging from monitoring the quality of foot skin, to measuring the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
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Metadata
Title
Characterising the biophysical properties of normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin
Publication date
01-12-2015
Published in
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1757-1146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-015-0092-7

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