The 7 Myths of Foot Blister Prevention
THE 7 MYTHS OF FOOT BLISTER PREVENTION
https://www.slideshare.net/blisterprev/the-7-myths-of-foot-blister-prevention
“... many myths continue to be propagated regarding the prevention and treatment of friction blisters” Douglas Richie DPM (2010)
MYTH 1 Blisters are a burn
The reality is …
Friction blisters do not resemble thermal burns either clinically or histologically
And experimental blister studies show only moderate increases in skin temperatures of between 41-50 ºC (insufficient to cause a burn) Friction blisters do not resemble thermal burns either clinically or histologically
MYTH 2 Friction is rubbing
The reality is … (Friction is misunderstood)
Friction is the force that resists rubbing As the bone moves one way, the force of friction opposes this to keep the surface of the skin stationary. The result is all the soft tissue in between stretches. This is shear and this is what causes blisters. You don’t need rubbing to form blisters! Rubbing adds an abrasion injury (deroofed blister).
Blister Cause = Shear
Deroofed Blister Cause = Rubbing
MYTH 3 Wearing cotton socks will stop blisters
The reality is … (This is the worst thing you can do!)
Cotton is a hydrophilic (water-attracting) fibre
It keeps moisture trapped near the skin
Moisture increases friction levels
So cotton increases blister incidence
MYTH 4 Powders stop friction
The reality is ... (This won’t work for long)
Feet perspire a lot (especially when you exercise)
Powder absorbs as much perspiration as it can
Then it clumps together and increases friction levels
MYTH 5 Lubricants are the best way to stop friction
The reality is … (This one is a semi-myth)
Initially friction reduces
Then friction increases
MYTH 6 Heat, moisture and friction cause blisters
The reality is … (This is an over-simplification)
There are 4 factors required to produce blisters:
Thick and immobile skin
High coefficient of friction (friction & pressure)
Moving bone
Repetition
It gets hot in your shoe which causes your feet to sweat. This moisture increases friction levels. But this is just one part of blister formation.
MYTH 7 Blisters are a part of sport – wear them with pride!
The reality is ... (Blisters are not inevitable!)
Blisters are not inevitable! Get the facts.
So you’re an athlete needing to solve your blister problem…
Or you’re a sports medicine practitioner and need to improve your blister prevention outcomes …
www.blisterprevention.com.au can help you with that!
Using science and research to explain
what causes blisters
how preventative strategies work (and don’t work)
“Information you can use with confidence to perform blister-free!”
Podiatrist, blister prone ex-hockey player, foot blister thought-leader, author and educator. Can’t cook. Loves test cricket.
