What Causes Blisters?
Why do blisters form?
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Effective foot motion depends upon the shoe or boot fitting tightly enough that the shoe gear moves exactly as the foot does. The job of the sock is to provide a thin separating layer and allow some moisture to be wicked away from the skin. Problems develop when friction occurs between the foot and the footwear.
Excess repeated pressure in a concentrated area causes increased local heat build-up. This so-called "hot spot" is red and painful. The heat forces a separation in the top layers of the skin, the epidermis. Fluid rapidly fills the space. At this point the pocket of fluid is a well-formed blister. The damage is done.
Like all fluids inside the body the, fluid inside the blister is sterile. If the blister breaks during activity that natural sterility is lost and infection is possible. Hopefully infection or a breakdown of deeper layers of skin does not happen, but even without such complications, it can take two days or longer until the skin inside the blister is tough enough to protect the foot and allow comfortable activity.
Can blisters and other friction related problems be avoided?
A thorough review of medical literature, both civilian and military, offers no solution for preventing blisters. The only suggestions one finds are untested recommendations i.e. try antiperspirants, wear synthetic socks, or assure boots or shoes fit well. Every research paper that lists these suggestions also admits that they don't really work.
How does it work?
The solution to keeping blisters from forming is to reduce both friction and moisture. TwoToms BlisterShield® Miracle Powder covers both. BlisterShield® creates an almost frictionless environment when applied to the skin - footwear interface. Reduced friction means little or no excess heat build-up and reduced perspiration. BlisterShield® does not absorb water, keeping the skin relatively dry, lowering the likelihood of blisters and other types of foot sores. BlisterShield® can be used in essentially any footwear.
How do I use it?
TwoToms BlisterShield® is best applied at the beginning of your day. Wash and thoroughly dry your feet. Wiping alcohol between toes after drying also helps reduce wetness. If you perspire a great deal consider using non-cotton socks. Pour a level teaspoonful of BlisterShield® into each sock. Shake the sock to spread BlisterShield® uniformly. You can add a little extra powder directly into the toe cavity. To prevent abrasions on the heel, apply additional BlisterShield® inside heel area of the sock after the sock is on. Work the material around to any trouble area. For first time use of a new shoe, add an additional teaspoon of BlisterShield® directly on the insole and spread uniformly. The product will coat the inside of the shoe and provide added comfort down the road.