blisters

dodo · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2008, 06:16 PM

Hello all!
I went hiking last week and came back with HUGE blisters on my feet!

So first of all I want to know how do you guys prevent having blisters? And second of all what are the best way to treat them?

notme · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2008, 06:27 PM

Hi Dominique, I am sorry to hear that you got blistered feet.

Honestly, the easiest way to prevent blisters is to make sure you have PERFECT fitting shoes. I know that is easier said than done, especially if you have hard to fit feet. Blisters are caused by the constant rubbing in your shoes. There are several ways to tie shoes that will make your heel fit tighter into your shoe. You can always get heel pads, but they can sometimes cause more problems. Talk to your podiatrist and maybe get a pair of orthotics that fit into your hiking boots.

After you have already gotten blisters, there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain. If the blisters have already broken open, I will put neosporin on it with a small single piece of fitted gauze. I hold it all in place with IV3000 or Second Skin. Your shoe will glide over the blister and it will have time to heal. If it hasn't broken open yet, it will take time for the blister to be reabsorbed and you need to protect the skin until it does. Just put a piece of second skin (any pharmacy) or IV 3000 on it and put a clean white sock on over it.

If you find your blister getting red and sore, you might need to visit your doctor to get oral antibiotics. Bummer.........

HelenM · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2008, 01:48 AM

I agree with what Nancy says about boots, but would add you need to take care with socks also. Check for wrinkles.
For running I also use a barrier to stop friction, rubbing on an antiblister stick but have also used vaseline.
When I've developed blisters I've used compeed (hydrocolloid plasters). These work brilliantly, and allow me to continue to run without pain but the instructions say that they are not to be used by diabetics. I checked with my doctor and she was of the opinion that as I had good control and no neuropathy or circulation problems it was fine to use them.