Hiking-Dealing With Those Hopefully Infrequent Blisters
Blisters result from friction between your skin and your sock, held against your foot by the wall of your hiking boot. Even the finest boots and socks in the world will still allow some slippage of your foot and that inevitably leaves you open to the possibility of painful friction.
The starting point to preventing or minimizing blisters lies in investing in a good pair of socks. This traditionally meant wool, cotton or silk socks but, today, hikers can buy some first class socks in a variety of modern materials including Lycra and various forms of polyester. Perhaps the best socks though are those that combine both modern and traditional materials.
Construction is also an important factor when it comes to buying hiking socks and you should look for socks without the traditional ridges of many socks and with re-enforced sections around areas such as the toes and heels.
Your selection of hiking boots is also important and while they should be stiff ( and indeed stay that way throughout their life), they should also be comfortable right from day one. If they do feel uncomfortable when you try them on beware of the salesman who says that's normal and that they'll soften with wear. This is certainly true of most boots, but you should still look for a pair of hiking boots that feel right from the start.
Another common cause of blisters is starting out with wet feet. This normally happen when you stop along the trail for a rest and take your boots off to cool your feet in an inviting creek. If you do take a break make sure that you dry your feet thoroughly before putting your socks back on (and indeed change socks if they too are wet, or even damp) and check that your boots are clear of grit and dirt before lacing them up.
Despite all of these precautions the possibility of blisters is still there, so what do you do when you do get a blister?
If you think that you can feel a blister starting stop immediately, take off your boot and inspect your foot. If you do have a blister, use some water to clean the area and, if you have brought some with you, disinfect the area with alcohol or anti-bacterial cream.
Next, puncture the blister horizontally near the base with a disinfected needle and carefully and gently squeeze out the fluid (which is mostly salt water), but don't remove the skin over the blister. Finally, cover the area with a band-aid, or moleskin, which is a kind of artificial 'skin' used just like a band-aid.
Once you're back home you can again treat the area using an anti-bacterial cream such as Benzoin. If a large proportion of the skin covering the area has become loose then you may want to cut it away carefully but, otherwise, simply leave well alone and let nature do it's job. It's also a good idea to let the air get to your feet as much as possible to help the heeling process, as long as you can keep them free from dirt and continue to apply an anti-bacterial cream.
Although blisters are not entirely preventable, the right selection of socks and boots and a little common sense will help to keep you hiking long distances. Don't let a little heat and water ruin your day.
Related Tags: walking, hiking, trekking, backpacking, hillwalking, hiking boots, hiking equipment
Joining your local hiking club will put the resources of the club at your disposal and allow you to get advice and information on all aspects of hiking, including such things as which Asolo hiking boots to buy.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Would You Volunteer To Hang To A Thin Cable And Zip 170 Feet Aboveground?
I did and loved every minute of it. It takes a leap of faith, and trust in yourself, your equipment - Bonding With Your Kids On Camping Trips
A camping expedition is an excellent opportunity for family bonding - specially around the camp fire - Trip To Darjeeling
Darjeeling a beautiful hill town situated in the lap of the mightiest Kanchan Junga is one of the so - Brazil Beach Paradise: Trindade
Only 15 miles south of the popular colonial town of Paraty, is the small fishing village of Trindade - The Outdoor Sport Makes You Think Naturally Closer
Whether Go out to the outdoors can be very valuable to many volunteers of us. The volunteer who take - Resplendent Hvar - The Crown Jewel Of The Dalmatian Coast
Ask any image-conscious Croatian, and you'll probably be told that the most beautiful of the over 10 - Swarovski Optiks Pocket Binoculars Reviews
There's at least 10 pocket binoculars available from Swarovski Optiks, so how do you know which one - How To Achieve Safety Summer Camping
Camping is one of the enjoyable events for every human being but we should be more aware of the camp - Treat Yourself With Our Adventure Tours
Always ready to take the first road out? At the Explorers, all roads lead to outdoor adventure and t - Kerala Tour - Amazing Experience To Relish Forever
Kerala is a beautiful tours and travel destination in India visited by tourists, travelers and world
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Get a Hitch Bike Rack and Keep Your Bike Safe
If you've got a pickup truck or an SUV, you may think that you don't need to make an investment in a - Relaxing in Your Hammock Swing
A hammock swing without anyone sitting in it looks much like a hanging bundle of ropes. It can be ha - Hiking - 3 Essential First Aid Techniques For Any Hiker
Every hiker should have at least a basic knowledge of first aid and three of the most valuable skill - What Types of Things are Related to Sharks?
Sharks have been part of people's lives in several ways. It does not matter if you ever saw one, liv - Mountain Vacations
Why mountain vacations? Hmm... Two days ago I was swimming in the Arkansas River. A few days before - Chill Out In Florida
If you are looking for relaxation Florida is ideal. There are also a vast array of lakes, forests, n - Why Not Consider Idaho For Your Next Family Vacation?
Many of the national parks in the United States are facing a crisis. Too many visitors. Overcrowdi - The Travelers' Temperature Predicaments (2)
Temperature measurement is very important to a whole range of areas and activities: science, scienti - Backpacking Tents
When there is a plan for backpack hiking, camping out and a taste of the world away from the city, a - Wedding Tents
When it is your big day, you simply want everything to be perfect as the way you had envisioned it.