How To Deal With Blisters When Hiking
Scot Miller
Blisters can turn an enjoyable hike into torture in short
order. There's nothing worse than hiking into a wonderful
secluded spot in the woods, only to be faced with hiking back
out with feet that are suffering from the pain of blisters.
Blisters are caused by the friction that occurs when your skin
rubs against your sock or your boot. Even the top quality
footwear will allow some slippage of your feet which can lead
to blisters. And if you're still working in a new pair of boots
the problem can be even worse.
Good socks are one of the most important things for avoiding
blisters. Cotton, silk and wool are the traditional materials
but there are a lot more choices these days, including Lycra,
polyester and combinations of more than one. These new
materials can make a big difference.
Choosing the right hiking boots will also go a long way towards
avoiding blisters. You want to look for a pair that is
comfortable right from the outset. It's true that stiff boots
will loosen a bit when broken in, but if they are stiff and
uncomfortable when you first get them they probably will stay
more or less the same.
If you have reason to take off your boots during your hike, say
to drip your feet in lake or creek, use proper care when putting
them back on. Make sure you dry your feet first and double-check
that there is no gravel or "bunching" in your socks before you
lace up.
If it's too late to avoid a blister, there are several things
you can do. When you first feel one start, remove your boot and
check your foot. Clean the area and disinfect the area with
alcohol or anti-bacterial cream (you did bring some, right?)
Pierce the blister horizontally near its base with a sterilized
needle. Squeeze the fluid out gently but don't remove the skin
covering the blister. Cover the area with a bandaid or
moleskin, which is a type of artificial skin that is applied
much like a bandaid.
This will get you through until you are able to do a more
thorough job of treating the blister.
About The Author: Scot Miller writes about hiking safety for
the Fitness Breeze website. For more helpful tips and advice
for hikers, visit
http://hiking.fitnessbreeze.com
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