Avoiding blisters

Boots for hikers

The first thing is, don’t buy hiking boots online. You need to make sure that the boots are a good fit and you cannot do that online. The boots need to be a tight fit, but you must still be able to wiggle your toes inside them. When you walk there must be no pressure points on your feet from the boots. Also when you walk your heel must not move around inside the boot.

Socks for hikers

You need to buy some decent hiking socks, everyday socks tend to collect moisture, which then cause friction. Take care to keep your feet dry, at all times. Note that they make different socks for men and women. Swap your socks if they get wet.

Lubricants

If you know you are prone to blisters, consider applying a lubricant to the problem areas, before you go walking. Some people have had good results with petroleum jelly, they reapply it every 15 kilometers.

Treating blisters

Frequently you will feel discomfort in an area of your foot, before the blisters actually form. You should start treatment at this point.

Blister plasters

The blister plaster is the simplest and most effective treatment for blisters. What you want to do is to remove your boots and socks. Then dry them out and remove any sand from them. Dry and clean the blister. If the blister has burst apply disinfectant. If your blister is on an awkward spot, cut the plaster to the right size and place it over the blister.

After hike healing

If the blister is small, deep in the skin, filled with blood or has burst. Disinfect it and leave it alone. Otherwise pierce it with a disinfected needle and let it drain over night.