Check out previous editions of the Blister Prevention Newsletter for Footcare Specialists below and sign up to start receiving it (once per month).
BP Pro Newsletter: November 2022
Hi Reader,
I'm sharing a couple of Blister Prevention Techniques and Treatment Products this November! Your patients need to know that there are more effective products for their blister problems than ineffective "Band-Aid" solutions, or worse still, simply putting up with them.
Read on to get to know some of them!
Rebecca
RECOMMENDATION
Powders
Talc and starch powders only absorb 13-17% water. The resulting “paste” is abrasive and blister-causing. So it’s not a great choice for sweaty feet, hot/humid environments or athletic/endurance activities. The exception is 2Toms Blistershield powder. It isn’t a talc or starch powder - it’s made from PTFE and it doesn’t absorb any water.
ORTHOSIS IRRITATION
ENGO Patches
There's nothing more annoying than your orthosis causing blisters under your patient's arch! What’s a quick fix for orthotic arch irritation? ENGO Patches.
The knee-jerk reaction for podiatrists is for us to reduce the height or stiffness of the orthosis. While this may reduce pressure in one way, it may increase pressure or even increase bone movement. So, before compromising your orthosis prescription, reduce the coefficient of friction (COF) with an ENGO Patch.
You can get ENGO Patches on my website!
PREVENTION ☝
Preventing Maceration
🤔 What socks, shoes or topical applications are best for preventing maceration?
In prolonged immersion scenarios, like the south end of the Bibbulmun Track here in WA, I recommend waterproof socks like DexShell or SealSkinz, taped to the leg. It might seem over the top, but once your feet are macerated, you're done. The big picture.
Preventing maceration is about keeping your feet dry. Dry from water coming into the shoe from the outside and dry from intrinsic moisture sources.
PREVENTION ✌
Pads
Let's take a closer look at a new blister product from the UK called PelliTec Blister Prevention Pads. They are an alternative to the ENGO Patches.
BLISTER PREVENTION
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Hi! I'm Rebecca, your blister prevention expert.
Check out previous editions of the Blister Prevention Newsletter for Footcare Specialists below and sign up to start receiving it (once per month).
Hi Reader, This month, we’re unpacking the current evidence behind some common blister prevention strategies. Some methods hold up under scrutiny, while others don’t have the science to back them. If you’ve ever wondered what truly works and what might be wasting your time, this will help you cut through the noise. I hope you enjoy this one! Rebecca ✅ EVIDENCE FOR Cushioning Insoles There are a couple of studies that show a clear reduction in blister incidence when 3mm Spenco® insoles are...
Hi Reader, This month is all about socks — specifically, moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbing materials, and how they impact blisters. We’re breaking down the science behind fibre types, knits, weaves, and why your sock choice matters more than you think when it comes to blister prevention. I hope you enjoy! Rebecca RESEARCH Moisture-Wicking Socks Sock choice can play a critical role in blister prevention — but not all “moisture-wicking” or "blister prevention" claims can be substantiated....
Hi Reader, In this edition, guess what... we're talking blisters! We answered a stack of your excellent questions during this month’s Office Hours, covering everything from pinky to blisters, Kokoda Trail to EB. I hope you enjoy! Rebecca QUESTION How to Deal With Friction? Nearly everyone misunderstands friction blisters? Most people think blisters are caused by rubbing, but the real culprit is actually shear. The confusion comes from the two different meanings of the word “friction”: one...