Detection of fiber effects on skin health of the human foot

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to better understand the effects of foot coverings differing in fiber content on the health of the skin on the foot. A longitudinal controlled parallel design wear trial was carried out over 8 weeks: four sock types differing in fiber/yarn closely matched for fiber diameter (100% acrylic, 100% wool (24.5 µm), 100% cotton, 100% wool (20.5 µm)), manufactured such that only fiber type differed, were worn by 16 men. The effects on transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, pH, skin temperature were examined. Variability in effects among the participants was evident. Each person was his own control, with change expressed as a percentage from baseline. Fabric structural properties and selected performance properties were measured on fabrics of the same fiber/structure as of the socks. Improvement in skin health at the heel, in particular, was evident. Wool socks were associated with more cases of improved skin health (e.g. reduced percentage changes in transepidermal water loss and increased stratum corneum hydration). Results from two indicators of skin health considered together provided stronger evidence of effects than one alone.