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Foot soaks for callosities and fissures.
R Premkumar1, V K Pannikar, E P Fritschi
1Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre, Karigiri.
Indian Journal of Leprosy
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Soap and water soaks effectively soften dry, calloused skin on the feet of leprosy patients. A new callous scraper also proved useful for managing these skin issues.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Podiatry
- Leprosy Research
Background:
- Leprosy patients often develop dry, anesthetic soles with fissures and calluses.
- These foot conditions increase the risk of injury and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of soap soaks versus plain water soaks for softening keratin on anesthetic soles.
- To assess a newly devised callous scraper for managing foot calluses.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen leprosy patients with dry, anesthetic soles participated.
- Soaking treatments involved either plain water or a soap solution.
- A custom-designed callous scraper was used to remove thickened skin.
Main Results:
- Both soap and plain water soaks demonstrated a softening effect on keratin.
- The developed callous scraper was found to be effective in removing calluses.
- Soap solution may offer a superior softening effect compared to plain water.
Conclusions:
- Hypotonic keratolytic solutions, like soap or plain water, are beneficial for softening keratin in leprosy patients' foot soles.
- The use of soap solution is recommended for improved softening.
- The novel callous scraper aids in the management of foot deformities in leprosy.