EBS Footware
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic skin condition caused by mutations that affect structural proteins in the skin. The most common form, EBS, compromises the strength and structure between layers of ski, making routine activities like walking painful due to friction-induced blistering and scarring. EBS symptoms often worsen in warm weather, as increased heat and moisture leads to friction, especially inside footwear. Current footwear options do not offer effective solutions for cooling, moisture control, or friction reduction. Through a medical device design course, two other students and I worked with a dermatologist to develop a cooling insole to combat some of these symptoms.
The first iteration of the cooling insole consisted of different layers and two reusable cooling gel packs in the front and back. Merino wool was used for its moisture wicking properties while the main structure was made from silicone.
The final prototype had the cooling gel uniformly distributed throughout the insole in small square pockets. The main structure of the insole was constructed by filling a 3D printed mold with silicone. The cooling effect of the insole lasts up to 40 minutes, after which the insole can be placed into a freezer to cool down once more. This offers those suffering from EBS more comfort on short outdoor walks during the summer months.