Lets start with me admitting that I have been super lucky. Blisters have never been an issue probably due to a combination of having been taught what to wear for socks and having the luxury of properly fitting shoes. The bottom line is I do a ton of hiking, have never really had to deal with this issue… until now. The last three times I have been out I have struggled with super narley blisters. Needless to say this has left me super frustrated while simultaneously challenging my blister treatment skills.
Just yesterday I was part way up a short 10km hike with about 800m in elevation when I felt hot spots starting to form on both of my heels. This was the beginning of a saga that I would certainly rather forget.
Foot 1 = Hot Spot, Attempted Treatment = Duct Tape
Foot 1 presented as a hot spot, no visible blister. At this stage duct tape can be applied smoothly over the skin to reduce friction and prevent the formation of a blister. Duct Tape can also be used if the blister has already started to develop (non-raised), but be sure to line the tape with a small piece of non-adherent gauze.
Foot 2 = Small Non-raised Blister, Attempted Treatment = Glacier Gel
Foot 2 had a blister already starting to form so I chose to try Glacier Gel. Glacier Gel is a waterproof, breathable adhesive gel that is highly cushioned and cooling. Simply prep the area with the supplied alcohol wipe and apply dressing.
Result
Both Treatments failed miserably, balling up inside my boots, leaving raw broken patches of aggravated skin in their wake. In reflection there were a few things I could have done better:
- Reduced the moisture in my boots (it was raining and we were postholing in deep snow)
- Get better tape to adhere treatments.
- Use the Moleskin I had instead of the Glacier Gel.
- Bought expensive but totally worth it Mepital (See Blog Post by Alanna on Mepital)
Course Correction
I was able to complete the hike but my feet were nasty and painful. This failure has led me to reconsider what I carry to deal with blisters. Currently: Duct Tape, Gauze, Antibiotic Ointment, Sterile Needle, Mole Skin, Glacier Gel. I have to say I am a little disappointed with Glacier Gel, having tried it twice, both times the bandage came off inside my boot before the end of the hike (despite its 4 day claim). It is officially out of my pack. I will be adding Leukotape, a better/stronger athletic tape that I can use in conjunction with moleskin or gauze, even in moist conditions. I will also be adding a sheet of Mepital. For information on its use see Alanna’s Post or watch the video below!
