With just a few weeks before I start my camino I have reached that phase where I am scouring this message board for any nuggets to help make the "perfect" camino. It's a bit overwhelming and probably not too helpful.
But I have noticed a lot of messages about various creams and ointments -from vaseline to pain killer creams - that people apply to their skin over the course of their Camino and I am wondering about this.
Over the course of my life I have rarely felt the need to apply any form of cream (other than sun or the occasional fungus) to my skin but I have also never walked the amount of miles of the camino in such a compressed period of time. So I am curious about what people use but more importantly how and why they use them and when they know to use them. It seems a bit basic but it's new to me! Any thoughts?
Thanks
M
You ask: Any thoughts? Plenty. Your feet, and all of your skin, are your trusted friends on camino. They need care and protection.
From my experience:-
Drink plenty. Water, not alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates. Up to you how much or little of that you imbibe. Replace salts whichever way you choose. We use a traditional powder from a pharmacy, called Litines. Older pharmacy staff will understand. You can also use commercial drinks and powders, probably more expensive, made for sporty people.
Some lubricant is helpful on the feet. I use vaseline. I do not find it gooey. It is easily absorbed.
I change socks regularly, hanging the damp ones from the back of the rucksack so they can dry. Smartwool of whichever brand suits your purse or that you can source locally.
Be aware of any hot spots appearing. If you get one, you will know what I mean. Some kind of tape applied each morning will ease that. I also sourced sheeps' wool from New Zealand, it is excellent. It is available in other countries also, including Denmark.
As for sun protection on the body: I use high factor on my face every day, on camino or at home. I use a version of same factor on neck, arms, legs. Non-irritant and unperfumed. You look young - but just wait!!!
On another issue, muscle pain: some people advise a preparation, Voltarol, (diclofenac) that my walking companion (a family physician) does not recommend on bare arms or legs as it can have an adverse effect on skin exposed to sunlight. Look it up if you have a different opinion or experience, and make up your own mind.
I hope this helps you somewhat. Some of these things can be easily purchased along the way. I would not recommend plucking sheeps' wool from a fence, even if it is free.
Wishing you a truly buen camino. Try to report back, it will help others following you, and thanks for your question. I hope I have not strayed too far from what you asked for!