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There have been a number threads about the various blister prevention strategies. Not all techniques work well for everyone because of the unique "microclimate" surround our feet. For a deeper understanding of blister management, I invite you to read this podiatrist guide, by Rebecca Rushton. According to Rebecca: "Blisters are not caused by rubbing on top of the skin. They're caused by rubbing underneath the skin surface (between skin layers).
The guide analyses the cause of blisters and provides insights into the various prevention strategies based on research/tests among academics, athletes and military of course. And she ranks them in order of their effectiveness:
Basic and most important (three stars)
1. Shoe-fit / lacing- a good fitting shoe/boot a must
2. Socks, merino or synthetic with advanced moisture management properties
- long term effect relies on evaporation through the shoe upper, linking to #1 a good shoe
3. Adoption - foot hardening; Preparation training in gear and on terrain
- Average person need 3-4 weeks minimum
4. Cushioning and insoles -reduces/distributes peak pressure
- Thicker insoles are not always best, there are several popular brands e.g spenco thinsoles
5. Patching - targeted friction management with ptfe (polytetraflueroethylene) patches
- low friction patches are applied to targeted areas
- Popular brand is teflon/ENGO, unaffected by moisture, can't be used between toes
Next most important (two stars)
6. Double socks - fast wicking liner and an outer layer, optimal combination will take trial and error
7. Taping - applied to susceptible areas on the feet; More of an abrasion prevention
8. Orthotics - Professional assistance required, not relevant for all blisters
Least effective (one star)
9. Antiperspirant/powders - skin drying; short term effect, need to re-apply
- stronger preparation can cause skin irritation, messy
10. Lubricants - e.g vaseline; Popular, but eventually increases friction, messy
11. Astringents - Skin toughening; Use of alcohol, black tea, salt water, NO research
I had to walk in shoes full of water all day long. And a second day with just wet shoes
applying tea tree oil regularly is supposed to be effective in preventing athletes foot. I use it and haven't had a problem for a long time. I don't know if it's because of the use of the tea tree oil or good luck but the oil is great for keeping my feet feeling good while doing lots of walking. I used a foot balm with tea tree oil in it for my last long trek and my feet were very happy during and after. It smells pretty strong, though.Thank you for this. I will say that there are other considerations as well. In my case, I was fine until I had to walk in shoes full of water all day long. And a second day with just wet shoes. But the blisters did heal up eventually. Now if someone could put something up on the subject of athlete's foot prevention while on the trail? Please?
Wet feet? You were asking for it. When faced with wet trails for that long, I am afraid you needed a different footware. Better off walking bear foot that day, if you ask me. Waterproofing is another can of worm altogether.Thank you for this. I will say that there are other considerations as well. In my case, I was fine until I had to walk in shoes full of water all day long. And a second day with just wet shoes. But the blisters did heal up eventually. Now if someone could put something up on the subject of athlete's foot prevention while on the trail? Please?
There have been a number threads about the various blister prevention strategies. Not all techniques work well for everyone because of the unique "microclimate" surround our feet. For a deeper understanding of blister management, I invite you to read this podiatrist guide, by Rebecca Rushton. According to Rebecca: "Blisters are not caused by rubbing on top of the skin. They're caused by rubbing underneath the skin surface (between skin layers).
The guide analyses the cause of blisters and provides insights into the various prevention strategies based on research/tests among academics, athletes and military of course. And she ranks them in order of their effectiveness:
Basic and most important (three stars)
1. Shoe-fit / lacing- a good fitting shoe/boot a must
2. Socks, merino or synthetic with advanced moisture management properties
- long term effect relies on evaporation through the shoe upper, linking to #1 a good shoe
3. Adoption - foot hardening; Preparation training in gear and on terrain
- Average person need 3-4 weeks minimum
4. Cushioning and insoles -reduces/distributes peak pressure
- Thicker insoles are not always best, there are several popular brands e.g spenco thinsoles
5. Patching - targeted friction management with ptfe (polytetraflueroethylene) patches
- low friction patches are applied to targeted areas
- Popular brand is teflon/ENGO, unaffected by moisture, can't be used between toes
Next most important (two stars)
6. Double socks - fast wicking liner and an outer layer, optimal combination will take trial and error
7. Taping - applied to susceptible areas on the feet; More of an abrasion prevention
8. Orthotics - Professional assistance required, not relevant for all blisters
Least effective (one star)
9. Antiperspirant/powders - skin drying; short term effect, need to re-apply
- stronger preparation can cause skin irritation, messy
10. Lubricants - e.g vaseline; Popular, but eventually increases friction, messy
11. Astringents - Skin toughening; Use of alcohol, black tea, salt water, NO research
First: Rajy62; thank you very much! I have read the whole guide. It is great.What about Comped,Moleskin on a like product for blister areas? Do you agree with putting a thread through a blister to aid healing.
Two points:Isn't there anti-fungal medications for athlete's foot. I would like to know how we can keep people like you away from alberques because it is so contagious.
Of course i was mocking about keeping people like that away. Hope Texas Walker was not offended by my humour.Two points:
- @Texas Walker did not claim he had athlete's foot, he suggested athlete's foot prevention as a topic for discussion.
- I hope your suggestion that some people are kept away from albergues is humorous rather than serious. Albergues are for all pilgrims, and fungal infections are always a risk in communal shower areas. It really is up to you to take precautions. Alternatively, you could avoid albergues, although I think you would still risk fungal infection.
Alexwalker is correct, threading is not recommended. You can read more from this section of Rebecca's blog:What about Comped,Moleskin on a like product for blister areas? Do you agree with putting a thread through a blister to aid healing.
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