Facts
- Blisters are caused by pressure and friction over skin and are a symptom of burns.
- Untreated blisters may lead to infection.
Causes of Injury
- Skin irritation from pressure and friction
- Burns
Prevention
- Ensure that hiking boots fit by trying them on late in the day with double layer of socks.
- Break-in hiking boots well in advance of using them in the field.
- Pad pressure areas with moleskin at the first sign of irritation before a blister occurs.
- Duct tape can substitute for moleskin in an emergency.
Planning / Packing Guide
- Properly fitting boots that are well worn in
- Socks that fit well and are wrinkle free
- Moleskin (purchased in pharmacy near bandages)
- Duct tape
- First-Aid kit should include needle, alcohol pads, band-aids, gauze pads, and tape.
Symptoms
- Fluid-filled sac under the skin (often at site of friction - where a shoe rubs against skin)
- If a blister breaks, underlying tissue will be red, moist and painful.
- Blisters may also occur within a reddened, burned area.
First Aid
- If a blister is on an area unlikely to encounter friction or abrasion, let it heal on its own.
- NEVER puncture a burn blister.
- If blister is on an area that will rub or break:
- clean the area with soap and water
- puncture with a sterilized needle near the edge of the blister
- gently press to expel the liquid from the blister
- cover the area with band-aid or gauze pad and tape
- change the dressing if it becomes damp with fluid from the blister
- If blister is broken, clean and cover with a bandaid or gauze pad and tape.
Related Links
- Blisters: First Aid http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-blisters/WL00008/METHOD=print