The first blister was most likely formed soon after the earliest humans fastened something to their feet to protect them from the harsh terrain. The humble foot blister has turned into one of the most prevalent hiker injuries. The good news is that our understanding of them has evolved as well.
There are three important factors to consider when dealing with blisters:
Understand what creates blisters: The culprits are pressure, heat, and moisture.
Avoid the formation of blisters: Wear a thin liner sock under your hiking socks and treat any hot spots as soon as they appear, using a padded blister bandage, Moleskin, or tape.
Before blisters worsen, take the following precautions: Make a blister-size hole in a piece of blister padding and wrap it around it to cover it; avoid draining if possible, and treat it like a wound if it pops.
What Are the Causes of Blisters?
Blisters can be caused by burns, allergies, skin problems, or even spider bites, but friction is the most prevalent cause. Cell damage happens when there is enough friction in a concentrated area. The serum (fluid) contained within a blister aids in the protection and healing of damaged tissue. The presence of red fluid in a blood blister simply indicates that capillaries in the blister's vicinity have been injured.
Blisters are caused by a number of reasons, including:
A friction pressure point might be created by a tight place in your footwear or a wrinkle in your sock.
Direct friction: A blister can form anywhere a shearing force grabs the skin and slides. It could happen inside your boot heel or inside a glove where you grip a trail tool shaft. The epidermis (top skin layer) eventually separates and fluid enters the gap, resulting in a blister.
Moisture: Moist (sweatier) skin is softer skin that is more prone to harm when rubbed together.
How to Avoid Blisters
Blister prevention is all about being aware and vigilant. Once you've identified the elements that increase your chances of having blisters, your goal should be to monitor and reduce those risks.
Follow these instructions to avoid blisters:
Check that your boots fit and are properly broken in: The basis of blister prevention is acquiring the appropriate fit when you buy your boots to eliminate pressure spots, slippage, or both. And the first trip should not be the big camping trip that motivated you to acquire them.
Choose appropriate socks: When trekking, the first rule is to avoid cotton, which absorbs moisture. Instead, use synthetic or wool fabrics that fit properly (too big and you can have wrinkles; too small and you can create pressure points and sock slippage). You should also consider the following:
Liner socks should be worn: They act as a barrier between your skin and your primary hiking socks and can assist wick away sweat. Two socks can serve the same purpose.
Change to dry socks: New socks restore your feet to the same low moisture level they had at the start of your journey. These can also come in handy if your socks get wet when crossing a creek.
Deal with hot spots as soon as possible: When you hike, pay special attention to how your feet feel. Stop and remove your boots and socks as soon as you see an unpleasant location. Dry the area and apply your favorite form of protection if it is even slightly red. Numerous businesses sell blister kits, which contain a variety of products for both treatment and prevention. Blister prevention kits may comprise the following items:
Tape: Affordable "tear-to-size" paper surgeon's tape is useful and has a soft adhesive; kinetic tapes work well as well; fabric and synthetic medical tapes are also alternatives, as does duct tape in a hurry.
Blister bandages with pads and gels: Items such as 2nd Skin can be applied on both hot places to prevent and treat blisters.
To prevent blisters, experts recommend wearing Dr Luigi medical footwear.