Coral Dust Between My Toes: Keens Sandals Win Again!!!

Work consists of whatever a body is
obliged to do, and Play consists of
whatever a body is not obliged to do.
from: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
by: Mark Twain

While hiking up a rocky trail the other day, I got to thinking about blisters.
Which comes first....a foot fetish and thus good feet?
or
Good feet...then a foot fetish to be sure the goodness lasts!?
Not sure of the answer...Im just so grateful that I have never been plagued with a blister problem.
A blister is usually caused by friction or rubbing of the skin.
The trick is reducing friction.
Here's what I have learned.

Prevention is the best medicine.
Here's some great ideas.

Blisters on the feet can be prevented by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and clean socks.

Moisture wicking socks made from synthetic blends can help reduce friction and moisture on the skin of your precious feet.

Some people choose to wear two layers of socks (or a sock that is made with double layers) to aid in blister prevention.

When hiking carry a spare pair of socks. Change during your walk if your feet become sweaty or wet.

Watch for 'hot-spots' Take care of hot spots. Tape them, bandage them, change socks, change shoes.

Trusty Duct tape solves many ills- believe it or not- and the shiny back is slick enough to slide on socks and other skin. One other option is to apply petroleum jelly or talcum power before hiking to reduce friction.

Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Among other things, staying well hydrated will help prevent a myriad of ailments plus allowing you to perspire freely. When you stop perspiring your sweat will form salt crystals on your body increasing friction.

Everyone that knows me, know that I hike in KEENS. I LOVE Keens!! Keens have never let me down or disappointed me while hiking!!!

But if you cant be persuaded to wear Keens, pay heed to these tips for buying good hiking shoes.

Remember the following when you shop:

Shop during the middle of the day. Your feet swell throughout the day, so a midday fitting will probably give you the best fit.
Wear the same socks you'll wear when hiking, or bring them with you to the store.
Measure your feet. Shoe sizes change throughout adulthood.
Measure both feet and try on both shoes. If your feet differ in size, buy the larger size.
Go for flexible, but supportive, shoes with cushioned insoles.
Leave toe room. Be sure that you can comfortably wiggle your toes.
Avoid shoes with seams in the toe box, which may irritate bunions or hammertoes.

Recommended Products

Blister Blocks, Second Skin and Spyroflex - If you have specific places that are prone to blisters you might try applying one of these prior to your walk. Note: most of the products listed here can be found at your local drug store. Look in the foot care, and shoe care areas, if they are not located with first aid products.

These items can be used as a preventative, or to provide cushion and protection after a blister has formed.

Band Aid brand Blister Blocks - This is a great product. Runners use blister blocks on their heels during long distance training. They are like a thick rubbery extra skin you apply to problem areas. It cushions and protects. They even stay on in the rain.

Spenco Second Skin - Soothing hydrogel dressing for blisters. Should be held in place with adhesive knit tape.

Spyroflex Wound Dressing - Use as both a preventative treatment against blisters, etc., or as a protection over a blister, cut, abrasion or other wound. Both of these products were recommended by ultra marathon runners.

Some hikers will apply tincture of benzoin to skin every day for a few weeks in order to toughen sensitive areas. Tincture of benzoin can be found at your local pharmacy. It is not prescription, but it is usually kept behind the counter or they may have to order it for you.

Of course others will suggest that softer feet are less likely to blister. Thats my theroy anyway...thus the foot fetish. I keep my feet soft by applying a moisturizer daily,or if Im lucky, my dear hubby will apply it for me!!!!
Body Glide- many hikers swear by it!! Its a great lubricant

Should you still get a blister, and its too painful to walk with, you may have to try the following treatment.

If the blister isn't too painful, do everything possible to keep it intact. Unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection. Cover a small blister with an adhesive bandage, and cover a large one with a porous, plastic-coated gauze pad that absorbs moisture and allows the wound to breathe.

Use the following steps to minimize the chance of infection. Small blisters can usually be taken care of without puncturing. Leave intact and use only steps. 1, 3, 7, 8, 9, and 10. (Diabetics should always seek medical attention for blisters).

1. Wash your hands with disinfectant soap and water.
2. Put on latex gloves.
3. Clean the blister and surrounding area using a disinfectant soap or solution.
4. Sterilize the tip of a needle by soaking it for at least three minutes in a disinfectant solution or heating it until it glows red, then cools.
5. Make a small puncture at the base of the blister. Leave the roof of the blister attached so it can continue to protect the skin.
6. Use a gloved finger to gently push the fluid out.
7. Apply antibiotic ointment to a piece of gauze and cover the wound. Avoid drying products such as alcohol.
8. Cut a hole the size of the blister in a piece of moleskin.
9. Cover the blister with the moleskin so that the blister rests in the middle of the hole and the adhesive sticks to the skin around the blister.
10. Replace the bandage daily and check for signs of infection: heat, pain and swelling on or around the blister, pus, red streaks radiating from the blister, or fever.