Blisters can add a heavy load to your climbing trip. Just as with bites and stings, the best defense is a good offense.
- Be sure shoes or boots fit properly. Tight shoes cause pressure sores; loose shoes cause friction blisters.
- Break in new boots gradually before any long hikes.
- Wear a thin liner sock under a heavier sock. Friction will occur between the socks instead of between the boot and the foot.
- Keep feet dry.
- Before hiking, apply moleskin to areas where blisters commonly occur.
- Treat hot spots immediately. A hot spot is an area where skin is red and irritated but has not yet blistered.
For hot spots: Cut an oval-shaped hole slightly larger than the hot spot in a rectangular piece of moleskin. Center the hole over the hot spot and secure with tape or knit dressing. Be sure no sticky surfaces touch irritated skin.
For small, intact blisters: Do not puncture or drain. Apply a piece of moleskin or molefoam with a doughnut style hole cut out slightly larger than the blister over the site. Secure with tape.