Fact *each foot has over 125,000 sweat glands that are creating sweat, which drenches your foot with Every Single Step!!   Fact *TIME is the most significant variable in whether feet will macerate *The longer you are on a course, the longer your feet are exposed to moisture (sweat) CREATED BY YOUR FEET!! *Skin exposed to moisture over extended periods of time causes it to become fragile, prone to injury and *Disconnecting (delaminating) from the tender lay underneath OUCH!!! *If there is a large “blister” on the bottom of your foot, it is more likely a result of maceration and the outer layers (dermis) disconnecting from the dermis (super tender) layers (where nerves and blood vessels live)   **Prevention is Critical! *Once the skin on your feet is pruned, wrinkly and fragile, the only thing you can do is Manage the situation. *Consider the amount of time you expect to be on the course *”this never happens in training” is NOT a reason to neglect preventing maceration **Do the math-if your training runs are not as long as your race/event, then there is No excuse to Not attempt to prevent maceration.   **Prevention **Applying a Hydrophobic layer Before the race

***More is Not Better*** ***Smearing Large Amounts of it on the Foot Creates Problems***   *Zinc oxide is an amphoteric oxide. It is (nearly) insoluble in water. It is dense It has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. It has a drying effect on the skin (desiccation) (Fun fact-over 50% of zinc oxide is used in the rubber industry)   *Its insolubility and density allow for it to be ideal for protecting against prolonged exposure to urine (diaper rash) *Creating a physical barrier against UV rays from the sun   **In the context of footcare, it is best used Sparingly** * Primarily by using a dab on the top of a blister that is being taped to protect the skin, dry the blister and prevent the tape adhesive from sticking to the roof of the blister and causing damage*   **Using Zinc Oxide on the Entire foot is a well-intentioned error that I see at races** *In the case of Zinc Oxide-More is Not Better**   **Let‘s talk why** *It is insoluble! When it is smeared Everywhere, it Gets Everywhere! *And DOESN‘T LEAVE! (Insoluble means Does Not Wash Out) *Zinc oxide: *clogs the pores in socks, destroying any wicking properties *creates a