Characterising the biophysical properties of normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin.
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.
School of Health Sciences, Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
Farina
F
Hashmi
Foot and Ankle Research Programme, Centre for Health Sciences Research, School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
Christopher
C
Nester
School of Health Sciences, Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
Ciaran
C
Wright
School of Health Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, UK.
Veronica
V
Newton
Reckitt Benckiser, Dansom Lane, Hull, UK.
Sharon
S
Lam
Biophysical parameters; Callus; Corns; Dry skin; Heel fissures; Plantar foot skin hyperkeratosis; Quantification; Skin classification (SELs); Xerosis