Xerosis of the feet: a comparative study on the effectiveness of two moisturizers

Paul Baalham, Ivan Birch, Maria Young, Clare Beale

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The treatment for xerosis (dry skin) is the repeated use of moisturizers to hydrate the skin. Their use is based on sound evidence of the importance of maintaining the skin's water content. Although the skin on the plantar surface of the foot is very thick, it is highly visco-elastic and copes with high levels of frictional, compressive and shear stresses applied to it by being supple and well hydrated. Problems arise when the skin becomes dry and loses its elastic properties. Fissures can occur which are often painful and can act as portals for infection. This article describes a double-blind clinical study to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two commonly used moisturizers and to see if one was significantly better than the other at hydrating the skin of the feet. The two creams used were Aqueous Cream BP and CCS Foot Care Cream. Skin hydration levels were measured before any application of moisturizer and again after two weeks of twice daily application. Results showed that the regular use of both moisturizers had a significant hydrating effect on the skin. However, CCS Foot Care Cream had a significantly greater hydrating effect than Aqueous Cream BP.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)591-597
Number of pages7
JournalBritish Journal of Community Nursing
Volume16
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2011

Keywords

  • Dermatology Nursing
  • Skin Care
  • Heel
  • Water Loss
  • Insensible
  • Emollients - Therapeutic Use
  • Occlusive Dressings - Utilization

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Xerosis of the feet: a comparative study on the effectiveness of two moisturizers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this