Stanford trial shows paper tape can help prevent foot blisters

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-04/sumc-sts040616.php

Public Release: 11-Apr-2016
Stanford trial shows paper tape can help prevent foot blisters
Stanford University Medical Center

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Multiple methods of blister prevention have been tried, Lipman said, including powders, antiperspirants, lubricants, tapes and adhesive pads. But despite the numerous scientific studies on blister prevention over the years, there is little evidence to show that any of these methods work well, he said, until now.

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In a new study, Lipman and colleagues report that inexpensive paper tape, the kind available at most drugstores, when applied to blister-prone areas prior to exercise, successfully prevented both the incidence and frequency of foot blisters. The tape, commonly referred to as surgical tape, is used for wound treatment. It is only mildly adhesive -- an advantage because it doesn't tear the blisters if they do occur. The results will be published online April 11 in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine.

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