Epidermolysis Bullosa with GlideWear™ Technology
How Kids with EB are Benefiting from Reduced Friction & Shear
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare condition in which the skin is so fragile that even the slightest bit of friction causes blistering, and even skin loss. According to Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (debra of America), there are 20,000 people in the US living with EB.
The GlideWear™ Technology is a patented, ultra-low-friction fabric that’s widely used in medical and sports applications where skin is at risk for injury caused by friction, shear, rubbing, and breakdown. It’s a two-layer fabric that protects skin by gliding smoothly against itself and absorbing the harmful friction and shear that can damage skin.
“GlideWear is a gamechanger for children with EB!” — Mother of a daughter with EB
GlideWear Clothing in Action
What Parents of Kids with EB are Saying
“The GlideWear clothes are working great. My daughter won’t take them off.” – Father of a daughter with EB
“Our son has started scooting around on his knees, something he could never do before he had GlideWear in the knees of his pants!” – Nina Schuppler, mother of a son with EB
“Using GlideWear garments for my daughter reduced bandages by approximately half, saving about $5,000/month. And because fewer bandages are needed, GlideWear clothes make kids with EB more comfortable — they can move more freely and wear fewer layers in hot climate.” – Gabriella McCann, mother of a daughter with EB
“GlideWear clothing has made a huge difference in our life and has helped our son tremendously. We are very thankful for that!” – Mother of a son with EB
“Besides GlideWear there is nothing out there to effectively reduce friction. The garments we used before are okay for bandage retaining, but not for friction reduction in case of trauma. GlideWear clothing was so important for our daughter.” – Mother of a daughter with EB
The History of the GlideWear™ Technology & Epidermolysis Bullosa
Our team’s work with kids with epidermolysis bullosa started in 2015 with one 4-year-old girl, Elisa McCann (pictured right), in Minnesota. We designed custom clothes for her to protect her armpits, knees, elbows, and back from harmful friction that causes blistering.
In early 2017, our team started working with a nationally renowned hospital to design custom products for their patients with epidermolysis bullosa. Now we are working with children with EB across the country to design effective skin protection solutions. In July 2018 at the debra Care Conference, GlideWear™ Technology launched its standard line of skin protection products for children with EB. Read the press release.
In 2019, GlideWearTM technology was acquired by MIPS. MIPS is supportive of Tamarack’s wish to keep GlideWear items available to the EB population who find it helpful. Tamarack is honored that debra of America is a distributer of GlideWearTM products.
Case Study & Clinical Poster
- Clinical Implications of Friction/Shear Reduction for Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Katie Menard, PT, DPT, CKTP, C/NDT; Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD; Gretchen Lilja, RN, BSN; Sarah Preusser, MS, PA-C. University of Minnesota Masonic Medical Center. Minneapolis, MN.
- Epidermolysis Bullosa Case Study: GlideWear Custom Protective Wear for 4-Year-Old Girl
Questions? Give Us a Call
We have an expert team of clinical and customer service specialists to answer any question you have about size, fit, and whether the GlideWear™ Technology skin protection products are right for you or your child. Call us at 763-795-0057 or email info@tamarackhti.com.
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