Ger, from Westmeath, spent decades struggling with blisters but only heard of EB after her children experienced the same symptoms.
When she was a child, Ger knew something was different about her life. On long walks and hot days, her feet would be covered in painful blisters. But EB was never mentioned, and she taught herself how to manage, learning how to pop blisters safely and support healing afterwards.
It was only when two of her children, Sarah and Cian, began to get painful blisters on their hands and feet as teenagers that she – and they – finally got a clear diagnosis – EB simplex. Ger says that moment brought everything into focus. She spoke to her mum, who revealed she had had similar symptoms, probably passed down by her dad. Stories like this highlight why it’s so important that awareness of EB keeps on growing.
Since that time, Ger has tried every treatment available to try and improve her own life and her children’s lives. She loves speaking to Dr Jessica Gale at St James’s Hospital about the options open to her, and recently she tried Botox for the first time. Even with local anaesthetic, she says the pain was intense but, after two rounds of treatment, she is hopeful it might mean fewer blisters in the long term.
And Ger also wanted to share some of the products and ideas that have helped her over the years.
Ger’s top tips
• Anhydrol deodorant to help manage excess sweating. It’s especially useful during summer.
• Bamboo socks and clothing, which are naturally softer and kinder to the skin.
• Cornflour inside socks, which helps to keep your feet dry.
• Emulsiderm or Oilatum Plus baths once or twice a week, soaking for seven to ten minutes to help protect skin from infection.
• Octenisan wash – an antimicrobial shower wash that can support skin health.
• Silver socks, which are available in pharmacies and medical supply stores and can be gentle on sensitive skin.
• Superfeet insoles, to help with foot support
• Ultimate performance skin shield – a silicone roll-on to prevent blisters
Thanks for sharing, Ger!
What works for one person may not work for another, as EB affects everyone differently – but some of these suggestions might be useful for the community.
