A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Suitability of Skin Hydration Measurement Devices for Use on the Foot

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Instrumentation Science

Background:

• Foot skin xerosis is prevalent, especially in older adults and diabetics.
• Current skin hydration devices lack specific validation for foot skin assessment.
• Plantar skin's unique thickness and composition challenge device accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the correlation of three hydration measurement devices (Corneometer CM825, MoistureMeter D, MoistureMeter SC) with foot skin characteristics.
• To determine device suitability for measuring skin hydration on plantar versus non-plantar skin.
• To inform the selection of appropriate devices for foot skin hydration assessment.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 20-40 year olds for skin hydration measurements.
• Utilized Corneometer CM825, MoistureMeter D, and MoistureMeter SC on plantar and non-plantar sites.
• Correlated hydration data with skin hardness, elasticity, texture, and patient perception.

Main Results:

• Corneometer CM825 and MoistureMeter SC showed weak-moderate correlations with skin properties.
• MoistureMeter D demonstrated stronger correlations with plantar skin characteristics compared to non-plantar skin.
• Corneometer CM825 was the only device to significantly differentiate self-perceived dry skin.

Conclusions:

• Device selection for skin hydration measurement should consider the specific skin site.
• MoistureMeter D appears more suitable for assessing plantar foot skin hydration.
• Further research should evaluate low-cost devices and xerotic skin conditions.