The Effect of Two Sock Fabrics on Perception and Physiological Parameters Associated with Blister Incidence: A Field Study

The goal of the present study was to investigate differences in perception and skin hydration at the foot of two sock fabrics with distinct moisture properties in a realistic military setting. Thirty-seven military recruits wore two different socks (PP: 99.6% polypropylene and 0.4% elastane, and BLE...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Annals of occupational hygiene 2012-05, Vol.56 (4), p.481-488
Main Authors: BOGERD, Cornelis P, NIEDERMANN, Reto, BRÜHWILER, Paul A, ROSSI, Rene M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Blister - epidemiology
Blister - etiology
Bullous diseases of the skin
Clothing - standards
Dermatology
Female
Foot - physiology
Friction
Humans
Incidence
Male
Medical sciences
Military Personnel
Nylons - adverse effects
Occupational Injuries - etiology
Polypropylenes - adverse effects
Textiles
Walking - physiology
Wool - adverse effects
Young Adult
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Summary:The goal of the present study was to investigate differences in perception and skin hydration at the foot of two sock fabrics with distinct moisture properties in a realistic military setting. Thirty-seven military recruits wore two different socks (PP: 99.6% polypropylene and 0.4% elastane, and BLEND: 50% Merino-wool, 33% polypropylene, and 17% polyamide), one on each foot. Measurements were carried out after a daily 6.5-km march on 4 days. Each participant rated temperature, dampness, friction, and comfort for each foot. On a daily selection of participants, skin hydration was measured on three sites of both feet using a corneometer, and moisture content of the socks was determined. BLEND was rated to be cooler, less damp, and more comfortable (P < 0.05). Two out of three skin sites were drier for BLEND than PP (P < 0.05). Moreover, BLEND stored 2.9 ± 0.3 times more moisture compared to PP. Thus, under the present conditions, socks such as BLEND are to be preferred over polypropylene socks.
ISSN:0003-4878
1475-3162
1475-3162
DOI:10.1093/annhyg/mer127