How Do You Treat Blisters When Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

When backpacking, blisters can be an all too common issue. Blisters are a result of skin irritation and friction, so they are often caused by long periods of walking or hiking with ill-fitting shoes or boots.

The best way to prevent blisters is to make sure your footwear fits properly and to reduce friction wherever possible. This can include wearing loose-fitting clothing, avoiding tight socks, and lacing shoes for a snug fit without being too tight.

When you inevitably do get a blister from backpacking, the important thing is to treat it quickly and effectively. The first step is to clean the area with warm water and soap.

This will help keep the blister from getting infected. Then allow the area to dry completely before taking any further action.

Draining the Blister

Once your blister is dry, you may want to consider draining it if it’s large or painful. To do this safely, use a sterilized needle or blade and gently puncture the blister near its edge.

Make sure not to puncture too deeply as this could cause more injury or infection. Once it’s drained, press down lightly on the skin around the blister with a sterile cloth or bandage in order to reduce swelling and pain.

Caring For Your Blister

Once your blister has been drained (if necessary) you will need to care for it properly in order to promote healing. Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin® or another type of antiseptic cream in order to reduce infection risk. Then cover the area with a bandage or moleskin patch so that it’s protected from friction while you continue on your hike.

Conclusion:

Blisters can be an unfortunate part of backpacking if proper precautions aren’t taken but luckily there are ways that you can treat them when they occur. Make sure that your footwear fits properly and use lubricants when necessary in order to prevent them from occurring in the first place. If a blister does develop, clean it thoroughly before draining if necessary and then cover it with an antibiotic ointment followed by a bandage or moleskin patch.