Influence of an antiperspirant on foot blister incidence during cross-country hiking - 09/09/11
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. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:202-6.)
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Plan
![]() | The opinions or assertions contained herein are the views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. Use of trademarked names does not imply endorsement by the US Army but is intended only to assist in identification of a specific product. Human subjects participated in these studies after giving their free and informed voluntary consent. The Human Research and Engineering Directorate Human Use Committee reviewed the human subject’s protocol. Investigators followed the provisions of AR 70-25. |
![]() ![]() | Reprint requests: Joseph Knapik, ScD, Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21040. |
![]() | 16/1/90792 |
Vol 39 - N° 2
P. 202-206 - août 1998 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?