Xerotic skin is a pattern of reaction to a variety of disorders that have abnormalities of desquamation in common. This double-blind, randomized clinical trial investigated the effect of Lactinol (Pedinol Pharmaceuticals, Farmingdale, New York) versus Lac-Hydrin 12% (Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey) lotion in mild to moderate foot xerosis. Clinical assessment of xerosis was performed at baseline visit, and the designated sites were evaluated at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment began. Of the 53 patients enrolled, 18 were excluded from analysis. Although both treatment groups had significantly improved xerosis scores after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, no statistically significant difference was observed. Of the 44% of patients who did express a preference, 72% preferred Lactinol, which may account for the 20% increase in its overall use in the study.

A 54-year-old woman presented to a foot centre with a chief symptom of cramping in her toes, which, she believed, was of a secondary cause originating from a bunion. She was treated conservatively; however, she returned a month later as the symptoms had progressed to painful cramping of toes, toe-curling and instability while walking, due to involuntary movement of her toes. It was believed that the patient presented with a rare case of primary adult onset focal foot dystonia. This case report explains dystonia further in detail and delves into the different treatment and management options available today, including the unique orthopaedic intervention provided for this patient.

No abstract