A study on skin humidity in leprosy patients using a new type of humidity meter

The Vaisala Humicap humidity meter was used to estimate the moisture of the skin. The one-minute relative evaporation (OMRE) was regarded as a manifestation of the skin humidity and assessed in areas with and without sensation. When the sweat glands were inactive, the humidity on the whole was the same in both areas. After they were activated by sun exposure, there was a great rise in humidity in the sweating areas, but the nonsweating areas also had a marked increase. However, after 20 minutes' rest indoors, the patients' humidity returned from the increased level to the level before sun exposure. Soaking the feet, followed by Vaseline rubbing, did not give more hydration than Vaseline rubbing alone. Thus foot soaks have no rational basis for restoring dry skin to normal. Application of ordinary zinc oxide adhesive tape, on the other hand, proved to be a very effective way to hydrate the skin, but for practical use only in limited areas. The urgent need of an "extra skin" for the soles and margins of the soles was stressed for two vital reasons: to prevent dryness and to provide protection.