Effects of an antiperspirant with emollients on foot-sweat accumulation and blister formation while walking in the heat

doi:10.1016/0190-9622(95)91283-5

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Volume 33, Issue 4, October 1995, Pages 626-630

https://doi.org/10.1016/0190-9622(95)91283-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

Background: Friction blisters are a common injury in sports activities and military operations. Blisters can compromise performance, so it is important to devise preventive strategies to reduce these injuries.

Objective: This study investigated the influence of an antiperspirant with emollient additives on frequency and severity of friction blisters, hot spots, and irritant dermatitis.

Methods: Twenty-three healthy men walked on a treadmill (1.39 m/sec, 1% grade) in a warm environment (28° C, 25% relative humidity) carrying a total mass of 21 ± 1 kg. For 4 consecutive days before the walk, the subjects' feet were treated with either (1) an antiperspirant (20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine concentration plus water) with emollient additives, (2) emollient additives alone (placebo control), or (3) nothing (nontreated). In two separate trials (1 month apart) each participant received the antiperspirant treatment and both control treatments (emollient [placebo] and no treatment).

Results: No differences were seen among treatment conditions for sweat accumulation (p = 0.86), blister incidence (p = 0.36), hot spot incidence (p = 0.83), or blister severity (p = 0.31). Irritant dermatitis was not reported in any of the treatment conditions.

Conclusion: The use of an antiperspirant with emollients reduces irritant dermatitis but does not reduce total foot-sweat accumulation, blister or hot spot incidence, or blister severity.

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Wearable electrochemical sensors have attracted tremendous attention in recent years. Significant progress has been achieved, particularly in device integration. Most wearable devices are integrated on thin-film polymer, however, less attention is paid to the sweat flow at human-device interfaces, which is of great significance for continuous real-time analysis and long-term skin comfort. Here, we reported a low-cost, freestanding and disposable highly integrated sensing paper (HIS paper) for real-time analysis of sweat. By using a simple printing process, the HIS paper combining hydrophobic protecting wax, conducting electrodes, and the incorporated MXene/methylene blue (Ti₃C₂T_x/MB) active materials was assembled. In particular, the printed paper was folded into a multi-layer structure, in which a reasonable designed three-dimensional (3D) sweat diffusion path is established by connecting the hydrophilic regions of each layer, providing efficient pathways for the collection and diffusion of sweat along the vertical direction of the folded HIS paper. More importantly, the independent 3D position of three-electrode facilitates the decoration and fixation of enzymes, as well as the accessibility of electrolytes. In addition, a dual-channel electrochemical sensor that can simultaneously detect glucose and lactate with sensitivity of 2.4 nA μM⁻¹ and 0.49 μA mM⁻¹ respectively was produced based on the HIS paper. This HIS paper provides a miniaturized, low-cost and flexible solution for a range of biochemical platforms, including wearable bioelectronics.
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A total of 11 studies underwent data extraction and analysis (Figure). Results of data extraction are summarized in Table 1.23–31 Studies included 5 controlled clinical trials and 6 randomized controlled trials with varying degrees of blinding.
The purpose of this systematic review was to determine if sock, antiperspirant, or barrier strategies were effective in prevention of friction blisters in wilderness and outdoor pursuits. A search of PubMed and EMBASE was conducted. Title, abstract, and full text articles were screened by 2 authors using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify prospective controlled trials investigating prevention methods for friction blisters involving the foot. Only blisters associated with wilderness and outdoor pursuits (running, hiking, marching, etc.) were considered. Extraction of a predetermined data set was accomplished using a piloted form. Confidence in effect estimates were determined utilizing the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network methodology checklist. Literature search resulted in 806 discrete articles. After screening, 11 studies were identified for inclusion in systematic review. Included studies investigated 5 sock, 3 antiperspirant, and 3 barrier strategies. Only 2 articles were determined to have moderate confidence in effect estimate. Clinical and methodologic diversity precluded meta-analysis. Despite the high frequency, discomfort, and associated cost there is a paucity of high-quality quality evidence in support of socks, antiperspirants, or barriers for the prevention of friction blisters. Moderate confidence in effect estimate suggests that paper tape may be an effective form of barrier prevention.
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Foot blisters are a common injury, which can impact on activity and lead to infection. Increased skin surface hydration has been identified as a risk factor for blister formation, indicating that a reduction in hydration could reduce the risk of blister.
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^☆: The views, opinions, and findings in this report are those of the authors and do not represent an official Department of the Army position, policy, or decision, unless approved by official documentation. Human subjects in this report gave their free, informed, voluntary consent. Investigators adhered to AR70-25 and U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Regulation 70-25 on Use of Volunteers in Research. Citations of commercial organizations and trade names in this report do not constitute an official Department of the Army endorsement or approval of their products or services.

^∗: Current address: Stough Dermatologic Plastic Surgery Clinic, Hot Springs, AR 71913.

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Clinical and laboratory studyEffects of an antiperspirant with emollients on foot-sweat accumulation and blister formation while walking in the heat☆

Abstract

J Invest Dermatol

J Am Acad Dermatol

Friction blisters

Physician Sportsmed

Injuries associated with strenuous road marching

Mil Med

The effects of tropical and leather combat boots on lower extremity disorders among US Marine Corps recruits

A friction blister prevention study in a population of Marines

Mil Med

Friction blisters and cellulitis in a Navy recruit population

Mil Med

Experimental friction blisters

Br J Dermatol

Sulzberger on friction blistering

Int J Dermatol

Cutaneous reactions to mechanical and thermal injury

Clinical and laboratory study
Effects of an antiperspirant with emollients on foot-sweat accumulation and blister formation while walking in the heat☆