Effect of sock type on foot health

The objective was to determine whether changes in indicators of skin health among participants suffering from diabetes mellitus could be attributable to the type of sock worn (fiber content, structure). Changes in skin health over time (e.g. temperature, skin hardness, transepidermal water loss, str...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inTextile research journal Vol. 89; no. 18; pp. 3871 - 3881
Main Authors Van Amber, Rebecca, Laing, Raechel M, Wilson, Cheryl A, Dunn, Linda A, Jowett, Tim
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London, England SAGE Publications 01.09.2019
Sage Publications Ltd
Subjects
Cotton
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus
Hardness
Health
Hydration
Skin
Socks
Stratum corneum
Water hardness
Water loss
Wool
cotton
wool
socks
knit structures
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Summary:The objective was to determine whether changes in indicators of skin health among participants suffering from diabetes mellitus could be attributable to the type of sock worn (fiber content, structure). Changes in skin health over time (e.g. temperature, skin hardness, transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration) can indicate improvement or deterioration, and these may be related to socks worn. Socks of different structure (single jersey, terry), and of fiber content (merino wool, cotton) were worn over a period of 22 weeks by participants suffering from diabetes mellitus. Each participant was their own control: change over time in skin hardness, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss and temperatures were monitored. Properties of the sock fabrics were measured as new and after use to determine effects of wear. Limited evidence of improved skin health was attributable to socks composed primarily of wool.
ISSN:0040-5175
1746-7748
DOI:10.1177/0040517518824848