The skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) causes skin to blister and tear even under the slightest friction.
EB is characterised by the lack of adhesion of the skin either above or under the basement membrane (the basal layer of the epidermis). There are several variations of EB, the most common form causing blistering to the hands and feet. Rubbing and heat build up tend to be the main causes of blistering. This is worse in warm weather.
Carnation Silversocks were designed by Carnation Footcare when asked by Dr Tariq Khan, Consultant Podiatrist for EB at Great Ormond Street Hospital, to help find a way to reduce heat build up in the shoes of Epidermolysis Bullosa sufferers.
As silver has great thermodynamic properties it was the material of choice. The challenge was then how to keep it in the shoe and in contact with the foot. X-Static silver was used and bonded completely and universally to the textile fibres constructing the sock.
The result is a textile sock coated with pure silver for everyday wear just like ordinary socks, but with thermodynamic properties, regulating the temperature in the shoe to help reduce the risk of blistering caused by excessive friction and heat build up.
Additionally the seam of the sock, over the toe area, is manufactured so it is on the outside of the sock to avoid unnecessary friction or pressure that could occur with traditional hosiery.
