Glabrous Skin Surfaces

Glabrous skin surfaces refer to areas of the skin that are hairless, such as the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the upper half of the face. These areas are unique because they have a different type of vasculature beneath them, known as arterio-venous anastomoses, which are direct connections between arteries and veins. This unique structure allows for more efficient heat exchange, making these areas particularly effective for cooling the body.

When cooling glabrous skin surfaces to manage body temperature or enhance performance, it's important to use a method that does not cause vasoconstriction, as this can inhibit the cooling effect. Techniques like using a cool object that does not lead to vein collapse are recommended. For instance, using devices like the CoolMitt, which strategically cools these areas without causing vasoconstriction, can be particularly effective.

Cooling these surfaces can significantly improve physical performance and endurance, reduce core body temperature more efficiently, and even assist in emergency situations like heatstroke by cooling the body more rapidly than traditional methods that focus on other body parts. This approach to cooling has been shown to enhance performance in activities and increase the volume of work someone can perform during physical activities 1 2.