Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Any rollerbladers here? Need blister advice

combatmedicjen · 08-23-2004, 08:00 PM

Nefir...

I am well trained in the delicate art of blister care and prevention. As an Army medic, I've treated blisters on my fellow soldiers' feet as well as my own. This is what you do:

1. Go to the store and buy some Moleskin. (Dr. Scholls makes really good Moleskin... get the padded stuff if you can find it)

2. Cut out at least three circles about an inch or two larger in diameter than the blister itself.

3. Take the first whole Moleskin circle and cut out a hole the exact size of your blister. It should look like a doughnut when you are done. Remove the backing and apply around the blister.

4. Take the second whole Moleskin circle and cut out a hole slightly smaller than the hole in the previous circle. Remove the backing and apply this directly on top of the first layer of Moleskin (you should only see part of your blister now).

5. Take the third layer and cut yet another slightly smaller hole than the last and apply on top of the other two layers.

6. Once you have applied as many layers as you think you need (I usually do three or four) you may cover the entire area with either a solid circle of Moleskin, a large bandaid, or even some duct tape;-)

You are, in essence, creating a protective "dome" over the top of your blister. This padding will eliminate pressure and friction on the area, greatly decreasing your discomfort.

You can also do this to "problem areas" before you go skating as a preventative measure. In other words, if you know of a specific area that is blister prone, just apply Moleskin to the area per above instructions to prevent a blister from ever forming. And the wonderful thing about Moleskin is that it stays glued on quite well. I've worn the same Moleskin for 2 or 3 days before, during which I marched about 15 miles. It was my saving grace. I can guarantee that every soldier you'll ever meet knows what Moleskin is and has probably used it.

Also, it is acceptable to pop your blisters only if they are excessively fluid-filled to the point of causing major discomfort, and only if you clean it several times daily with an antibacterial soap of some sort, put antibiotic ointment on it, and cover it with a bandaid while wearing shoes. It is definitely best to leave it "unpopped," whenever possible. And if you do pop it, leave the skin intact. This is an important protective covering for the delicate skin underneath.

Try this and let me know how it works. I think you will be very pleased.

Good luck!

08-23-2004, 08:00 PM	#25 (permalink)
combatmedicjen Banned	I AM THE BLISTER MASTER. Nefir... I am well trained in the delicate art of blister care and prevention. As an Army medic, I've treated blisters on my fellow soldiers' feet as well as my own. This is what you do: 1. Go to the store and buy some Moleskin. (Dr. Scholls makes really good Moleskin... get the padded stuff if you can find it) 2. Cut out at least three circles about an inch or two larger in diameter than the blister itself. 3. Take the first whole Moleskin circle and cut out a hole the exact size of your blister. It should look like a doughnut when you are done. Remove the backing and apply around the blister. 4. Take the second whole Moleskin circle and cut out a hole slightly smaller than the hole in the previous circle. Remove the backing and apply this directly on top of the first layer of Moleskin (you should only see part of your blister now). 5. Take the third layer and cut yet another slightly smaller hole than the last and apply on top of the other two layers. 6. Once you have applied as many layers as you think you need (I usually do three or four) you may cover the entire area with either a solid circle of Moleskin, a large bandaid, or even some duct tape;-) You are, in essence, creating a protective "dome" over the top of your blister. This padding will eliminate pressure and friction on the area, greatly decreasing your discomfort. You can also do this to "problem areas" before you go skating as a preventative measure. In other words, if you know of a specific area that is blister prone, just apply Moleskin to the area per above instructions to prevent a blister from ever forming. And the wonderful thing about Moleskin is that it stays glued on quite well. I've worn the same Moleskin for 2 or 3 days before, during which I marched about 15 miles. It was my saving grace. I can guarantee that every soldier you'll ever meet knows what Moleskin is and has probably used it. Also, it is acceptable to pop your blisters only if they are excessively fluid-filled to the point of causing major discomfort, and only if you clean it several times daily with an antibacterial soap of some sort, put antibiotic ointment on it, and cover it with a bandaid while wearing shoes. It is definitely best to leave it "unpopped," whenever possible. And if you do pop it, leave the skin intact. This is an important protective covering for the delicate skin underneath. Try this and let me know how it works. I think you will be very pleased. Good luck!