Friction of human skin against different hospital fabrics for different contact conditions

Knowledge on tribology of human skin is essential to improve and optimise surfaces and materials in contact with the skin, as well in the design process of consumer products.Besides that, friction between the human skin and textiles are critical factors in the formation of skin injuries (irritations, abrasions, decubitus and blisters), which are caused if the loads and shear forces are high enough and/or over long periods of time.This factor is of particular importance in bedridden patients since they are not moving about or are confined to wheelchairs (and may be aggravated by incontinence or perspiration).Decubitus ulcers are one of the most frequently reported iatrogenic injuries in developed countries.The risk of developing decubitus ulcers can be predicted by using the "Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk" that was developed in 1987 [1], and contains 6 areas of risk (cognitiveperceptual, immobility, inactivity, moisture, nutrition, friction/shear), although there are limitations to the use of such tools.The coefficient of friction of textiles against skin is mainly influenced by: the nature of the textile, skin moisture content and ambient humidity.This study will investigate how skin friction (different anatomical regions) varies, rubbing against different type of contacting materials (i.e.synthetic and natural fabrics) under different contact conditions and their relation with the decubitus ulcers formation.The results will be compared with a reference hospital fabric.