Blisters. (yuck)!

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Blisters. (yuck)!
http//www.hughston.com/hha/a.11.2.6.htm
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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.
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The Culprits

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

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Boots

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

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Wear 2 layers of socks

• Layer 1 wicks CoolMax/acrylic/polypro
• Layer 2 insulates wool/wool-blend
• 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

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The medicine cabinet

• Reduce friction with petroleum jelly/ talcum
  power/bag balm/lanolin.
• Toughen skin with tincture of benzoin or alcohol
  or strong tea (tannic acid)
• Pre-wrap sensitive spots/whole foots with
  moleskin/Second Skin/gel packs/
• athletic tape/duct tape.
• feet

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Other helpful hints.

• Wear lining sock inside out.
• Try ankle-length nylons.
• Skip the pedicure.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.f my