Friction, minor injuries, pressure and sunburn all can cause blisters. If you can prevent a blister from getting infected, it will usually go away within a few days. Try these steps and see if you can get rid of any blisters you might have.
- Home
- Recreational Activities
- Backpacking & Hiking
- Prevent Blisters while Hiking
- How to Care for a Blister
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Gauze Pads
- Moleskin
- Bandages
- Hydrogen Peroxides
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Cotton Swabs
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1
Clean the skin around the blister.
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2
Place a doughnut-shaped piece of moleskin over the blister. This will keep pressure off it.
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3
Try to avoid popping the blister unless it's in an especially awkward place, such as the bottom of your foot. The blister provides a sterile environment for the skin underneath. Breaking it makes the area more susceptible to infection.
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4
If you need to pop the blister, use sterile implements, puncture it in a few places at its base and drain the fluid.
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5
If you need to puncture it or if it breaks on its own, clean the area with soap and water or Betadine.
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6
Avoid peeling any skin off the blister; this can lead to an infection and delay healing.
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7
Cover the exposed blister with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and dry sterile gauze.
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8
Change the gauze regularly and watch for signs of infection, such as pus or redness.
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1
Comments
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Bobchou
Oct 22, 2007
I find that using a power drill works a treat. -
Bobchou
Oct 22, 2007
I find that using a power drill works a treat.
-
Sep 23, 2006
If you're going on a long hiking trip, make sure you wrap a good bit of duct tape around your canteen. Then, if you notice any heat or rubbing at all on your foot, immediately stop, rip off a small piece of tape, and cover the irritated skin with it. This works wonders to prevent painful blisters that can ruin a trip!
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Sep 23, 2006
If you're going on a long hiking trip, make sure you wrap a good bit of duct tape around your canteen. Then, if you notice any heat or rubbing at all on your foot, immediately stop, rip off a small piece of tape, and cover the irritated skin with it. This works wonders to prevent painful blisters that can ruin a trip!
-
Aug 08, 2006
To prevent blisters, protect them and cover open sores with something that acts like a second skin. I have found that Band-aid Advanced Healing Blister for Fingers and Toes works wonders. It can stay many days without falling off, moves well with your skin, and has a cushion - so the blister is slightly protected.
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