Do you often get blisters when you hike or go for a walk? There are a lot of ways to prevent them. Once you get the hang of it, it gets easier to take care of them. Humans have been the first ones to evolve when it comes to providing protection against primeval terrain. Today, blisters have evolved to one of the most common types of injuries to occur to hikers.

There are a few things to consider while dealing with blisters:

Prevent them from forming: If you have good footwear and have broken in, you can take care of your foot in a way that blisters do not get formed. A thin lining under the boots, most preferably socks are the perfect covert along with a blister bandage which can cover the space properly.

Care for them when they worse: A blister-size hole should be cut along with the protection to avoid draining if possible. You can dress it like a wound if it pops. 

Know what causes them: Mostly, heat, moisture, etc. Are the problems which cause blisters.

 

What is the main cause of blisters?

Direct friction: Any place where there is shearing force, the skin would slide and cause blisters. This might also happen inside the boot, or the heel, where you have worn socks or gloves. Eventually, the epidermis separates and the fluid enters the space, which causes blisters.

Pressure: Pressure is one of the important reasons as to why blisters occur. The wrinkles in your sock can create friction which causes pressure points. Eventually, it causes blisters.

 

Moisture: moisture is another important reason as to why blisters occur. It is more susceptible to damage when friction occurs and should be taken care of immediately.

 

How do we prevent blisters?

One of the easiest way to treat blisters is you can monitor it from time to time as it heals while you take appropriate measures. Here are some of the measures which can help prevent blisters and help you take care of it:

  • Wear proper socks: While hiking, the number one rule is to avoid wearing improper socks or clothing. Avoid cotton which can retain moisture. You can wear synthetic or wool instead and make sure that they fit properly. You can also wear liner socks which can help wick away moisture easily. Double socks also perform the same type of function.
  • Wear proper fitting boots: If you have not broken into the boots perfectly, new footwear can cause a lot of problems. The foundation of blister prevention is to get the right type of fit that can make your trip far better in terms of the comfort level.
  • Change to dry socks: If our socks get wet during hiking, it is important to change into dry socks which come handy while you cross the stream or go into areas which are marshlands or wet regions.
  • Use tape: There are studies that show that you can use tear-to-size paper which is also known as the surgeon’s tape to cover the blister. It can act as a gentle adhesive which can be useful in the long run.

 

How do we treat a blister?

You can try one of the following options to treat a blister:

Use blister bandages, gels, etc.: If you are going for a long adventure, you can make use of bandages, gels that can soothe the area well by cooling it off.

 

Drain the blister, as per requirements: The blister should be released off its liquid so that it does not get infected. However, if there is a large blister, it is necessary not only to drain it but also to wash it with an antibiotic soap.

Follow the aforementioned rules to prevent blisters and to take care of it.