Importance of Footwear for Preventing Xerosis and Hyperkeratosis in Older People with Psychiatric Disorders Living in an Institution

Abstract

Few studies have focused on the relation between the use and characteristics of footwear and the presence of foot lesions in people with psychiatric disorders. This work analyzes the influence of different footwear habits on the presence of deformities and ungueal and dermal pathologies of the foot of institutionalized people with psychiatric disorders compared to people without these disorders. A transversal and observational study was conducted on 107 participants, divided into two groups who have used different types of shoes throughout their lives. The control group comprised 63 autonomous people who mainly use leather footwear and a study group of 44 institutionalized people with intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders who mainly use textile footwear. There were significant differences between populations. The group with psychiatric disorders presented more xerosis and hyperkeratosis. Footwear with inappropriate characteristics is a possible causal agent of skin alterations. Wearing footwear with quality textile uppers, e.g., fabric or felt, could influence the appearance of these alterations. Leather footwear is recommended for institutionalized people to reduce symptoms of xerosis and improve their quality of life.

Prevalence of foot disorders according to chronic kidney disease stage

“…The foot disorders observed in people with CKD showed higher percentages than those reported in recent studies on control populations, sportspeople and people with psychiatric disorders (Pérez Pico et al, 2019; Pérez‐Pico, Marcos‐Tejedor, Iglesias‐Sánchez, & Acevedo, 2018), highlighting the need to provide podiatry care for this population.…”

“…The higher prevalence of hyperkeratosis at initial CKD stages could be due to the use of inadequate footwear and/or greater physical activity (Pérez‐Pico et al, 2018) because of the typically better physical and mental condition of people at these stages.…”

Importance of Sock Type in the Development of Foot Lesions on Low-Difficulty, Short Hikes

“…The inclusion criteria were: Being of legal age, not having current health problems that would hinder or prevent participation in the hike, and carrying a backpack weighing less than 3 kg. Participants were asked to use specific hiking footwear (light, flexible, soft-soled, with good grip, and breathable material) (low top hiking shoes), based on earlier studies [37,38,39]. They were also asked to do the entire hike following the instructions of an experienced guide and to not remove their footwear or socks before examination by a podiatrist.…”