Ferguson, J S, Yeshanehe, W E, Yeshanehe, W, Matts, P J, Matts, P, Davey, G, Mortimer, P S, Mortimer, P, Fuller, L C and Fuller, C (2013) Assessment of skin barrier function in podoconiosis: measurement of stratum corneum hydration and transepidermal water loss. British Journal of Dermatology, 168 (3). pp. 550-554. ISSN 1365-2133

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

Podoconiosis is a common cause of lymphoedema in barefoot workers in Ethiopia and other countries. It has severe consequences for patients' physical function, quality of life and economic status.

AIMS

To investigate stratum corneum (SC) hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in patients with podoconiosis compared with controls.

METHODS

In total, 55 patients and 20 controls were recruited. For each study subject, SC and TEWL measurements were taken, along with foot and lower leg circumferences. Measurements were compared between the patient and control groups.

RESULTS

Foot circumferences tended to be higher in patients with podoconiosis, with the mean foot:leg circumference ratio being 1·19 (95% confidence interval 1·11-1·28) times that for controls (P = 0·001). There was no detectable difference between patients and controls in TEWL values (P > 0·05); however, SC hydration was significantly lower in patients vs. controls for the foot (P = 0·004) and lower leg (P = 0·046) sites.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with podoconiosis have significantly lower SC hydration in the skin of their lower legs and feet than controls, which may lead to cracking and splitting, and increased risk of lymphoedema and infection.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	Brighton and Sussex Medical School > Global Health and Infection
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0251 Constitutional diseases (General) R Medicine > RL Dermatology > RL0087 Care and hygiene
Depositing User:	Gail Davey
Date Deposited:	09 Jun 2014 13:17
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2019 18:48
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/48210

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