Conclusions No conclusive recommendations were possible due to wide variation in study quality , method ologies and outcome measures .
A synthesis of available literature suggests that treatments containing urea as a primary active ingredient have been the most research ed .
Background Xerosis , literally dryness of the skin , of the foot is a common condition encountered clinical ly , which can lead to discomfort and predisposition to infection .
Currently , there are no evidence -based recommendations on which moisturiser formulations best alleviate xerotic symptoms .
The aim of this review was to guide clinical practice in the treatment of primary and diabetes related foot xerosis , by identifying from the existing literature the most effective ingredient or formulation of topical treatments for symptoms of primary foot xerosis in the general population .
The influence of a humectant-rich mixture on normalz skin barrier function and on once- and twice-daily treatment of foot xerosis. A prospective, randomized, evaluator-blind, bilateral and untreated-control study.
BACKGROUND Moisturizers are often used to overcome dry skin conditions . However , cosmetic moisturizers may lack in efficiency and may also deteriorate skin barrier function . The objective of this study was to generate data on a new humectant-rich formulation ( 15 % alfahydroxy acids and 15 % urea ) in the treatment of normal skin as well as in dry feet with hyperkeratosis and cracked skin with fissures . Changes in permeability and effectiveness of the product after once- and twice-daily applications to the feet will be monitored . METHODS The study was r and omized , bilateral , controlled and evaluator-blind . The first part of the study included 12 healthy volunteers and the second part 50 patients with hyperkeratotic feet . The changes in the skin was evaluated by an expert , the patients and using non-invasive biophysical measurements of skin barrier function ( transepidermal water loss , TEWL ) , erythema , thickness ( ultrasound ) and hydration ( conductance ) . RESULTS The humectant-rich formulation increased skin hydration , removed scales and reduced thickness of hyperkeratotic skin . Skin barrier function was improved in normal skin , but no changes in TEWL were noted in the feet . No difference between once and twice-daily applications was found . Some smarting and stinging was noted . CONCLUSION The humectant-rich formulation efficiently relieved the xerosis on the feet without inducing any weakening of the skin barrier function . Instead the normal skin became more resistant to external insults by the treatment
Conclusions No conclusive recommendations were possible due to wide variation in study quality , method ologies and outcome measures .
A synthesis of available literature suggests that treatments containing urea as a primary active ingredient have been the most research ed .
Background Xerosis , literally dryness of the skin , of the foot is a common condition encountered clinical ly , which can lead to discomfort and predisposition to infection .
Currently , there are no evidence -based recommendations on which moisturiser formulations best alleviate xerotic symptoms .
The aim of this review was to guide clinical practice in the treatment of primary and diabetes related foot xerosis , by identifying from the existing literature the most effective ingredient or formulation of topical treatments for symptoms of primary foot xerosis in the general population .