Blisters. (yuck)!

What? Why? How?Shearing forces, pressure, moderate presence of moisture

Clear fluid and/or blood accumulates

in pocket formed between separated layers of skin.

Painful.Fluid gradually absorbed.Blistered skin falls off.

Painful.Secondary infection occurs.Antibiotics required.

The Culprits• wet feet

• stiff, rubbing boots

• downhill pounding

• folded socks

• rocks in socks

• dehydration/low sodium intake

• foot abnormalities (bunions, heel spurs…)

Boots

• Get boots that fit well - experiment!

• Break in boots (~50 miles)

• Reintroduce feet to boots at beginning of season.

Wear 2 layers of socks

• Layer 1 wicks: CoolMax/acrylic/polypro

• Layer 2 insulates: wool/wool-blend

• Try to keep the friction between the sock layers, not between the sock and foot

• NEVER WEAR ___(fill in blank)___!!!

0%

20%

40%

60%

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100%

Blisteredsoldiers

BADLYblisteredsoldiers

No liner

Coolmax liner

Even the Marines….

While on the trail...

• Go easy on mileage.

• Keep pack light.

• Change socks every few hours.

• Change out of wet socks.

• STOP! And adjust/remove/dry at discomfort

The Medicine Cabinet

• Reduce friction with petroleum jelly, talcum powder, bag balm, lanolin, antiperspirant

• Toughen skin with tincture of benzoin, rubbing alcohol, or strong tea (tannic acid)

• Pre-wrap sensitive spots/whole foots with moleskin, Second Skin, gel packs, athletic tape, duct tape.

• feet

Treatment

• Use a sterilized needle

• Puncture the edge of the blister

• Antibacterial ointment

• Moleskin

Other helpful hints.

• Consider wearing socks inside out.

• Try ankle-length nylons.

• Skip the pedicure.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.f my