Blisters. yuck

1
Blisters. (yuck)!
2
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.
3
The Culprits

• wet feet
• stiff, rubbing boots
• downhill pounding
• folded socks
• rocks in socks
• dehydration/low sodium intake
• foot abnormalities (bunions, heel spurs)

4
Boots

• Get boots that fit well - experiment!
• Break in boots (50 miles)
• Reintroduce feet to boots at beginning of season.

5
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)___!!!

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Even the Marines.
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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

8
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

9
Treatment

• Use a sterilized needle
• Puncture the edge of the blister
• Antibacterial ointment
• Moleskin

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Other helpful hints.

• Consider wearing socks inside out.
• Try ankle-length nylons.
• Skip the pedicure.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.f my