Blister 101

Having worked from home for nearly 10 years I have developed rather tender feet which are more used to comfy slippers than outdoor shoes. Any court shoe will sooner or later rip open the skin on the back of my heel/ankle. Any high heeled shoe makes the soles of my feet burn. It all sounds rather dainty but I wear a size 8 so they are not exactly what one would call cute.

Regrettably my 15 year old beloved walking boots are falling to pieces. So I am dutifully walking in my new walking boots and blisters are on my mind!

Here is the science bit:

A blister or bulla is a defence mechanism of the human body. When the outer (epidermis) layer of the skin separates from the fibre layer (dermis), a pool of lymph and other bodily fluids collect between these layers while the skin re-grows from underneath. Blisters can be caused by heat, frostbite, or friction.

What you can do to reduce the chance of ending up with blisters (who are they trying to kid):

- Good fitting shoes, walk new shoes in

- Keep your feet dry and clean, a seam or even a bit of fluff can aggravate the skin if it is rubbing against the foot for long enough

- Wear walking socks and some even suggest two layers of socks.

- Cover vulnarable areas in Vaseline (sounds messy)

- Cut your toe nails nice and round

- Use a precautionary plaster or better (I am wondering if it really makes a difference):

- a Hydrocure-Plaster which was specifically developed to avoid blisters in hot spots and is available in German pharmacies

And here are some of the more ‘out there’ suggestions:

- Superglue

Glue loose top layer of skin back on with superglue (suggested by our friendly sales assistant at the North Face shop)

- Stag fat or Hirschtalg

If Vaseline seems too straight forward…………………

What you should do when you do have a blister:

Wherever you look you get two opinions: To lance or not to lance that is the question.

I am in the lancing camp. A sewing needle sterilised by the flame of a lighter and in you go. Dap with antiseptic and put a plaster on when the top layer of skin starts flapping but do not remove until absolutely necesssary.