Influence of an antiperspirant on foot blister incidence during cross-country hiking
- PMID: 9704829
- DOI: 10.1016/s0190-9622(98)70075-1
Influence of an antiperspirant on foot blister incidence during cross-country hiking
Abstract
Background: Rubbing moist skin results in higher frictional forces than rubbing very dry skin. As friction increases, the probability of activity-related blisters also increases. Therefore reducing moisture may reduce blister incidence during physical activity.
Objective: We examined whether an antiperspirant can reduce foot blisters during hiking.
Methods: In a double-blind study, cadets attending the US Military Academy were separated into two groups that used either an antiperspirant (20% aluminum chloride hexahydrate in anhydrous ethyl alcohol) or placebo (anhydrous ethyl alcohol) preparation. Cadets were told to apply preparations to their feet for 5 consecutive nights. On day 6, cadets completed a 21-km hike, and their feet were examined for blisters before and after.
Results: Because of dropouts, the final sample size was 667 cadets with 328 in the antiperspirant group and 339 in the placebo group. There was a high rate of noncompliance with the treatment schedule: Cadets used the preparations from 0 to 5 nights before the hike. For cadets using the preparations at least 3 nights before the hike (n=269), the incidence of foot blisters was 21% for the antiperspirant group and 48% for the placebo group (P < 0.01). However, reports of skin irritation were 57% for the antiperspirant group and 6% for the placebo group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: A 20% solution of aluminum chloride hexahydrate in anhydrous ethyl alcohol may be effective in reducing foot blisters during hiking; however, the side effect of skin irritation should be considered and preventive measures studied to reduce this irritation.
Comment in
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Influence of an antiperspirant on foot blister incidence during cross-country hiking.J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Oct;41(4):655-6. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)80072-3. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999. PMID: 10495394 No abstract available.
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