Also, start the day out with clean dry socks on. I usually change my socks at noon, if they are damp, as I check my feet. If the weather is wet, you may have to change them more often. If necessary, you can dry your socks and boots at night by placing them near the campfire, but avoid getting them too close to the fire, or they will burn. When I change my socks, I also use a good quality foot powder, making sure I cover the “webbed skin” well between the toes. Just keep in mind, before you apply the powder, make sure your feet are completely dry. But, what if you find a blister on your foot when applying the foot powder?
Blisters are the result of your feet rubbing against a part of your boot or sock. The outer skin dies and separates from the underlying skin. The space between the two skins fills with a fluid, lymph liquid, and you now have a blister. And, as you know, blisters come in many different sizes and shapes. Well, if you have a blister, do you break it open, or leave it intact?
There are many different trains of thought on how to treat a blister. I will stick with what the military taught me, because I suspect they may know a few things about walking and feet. First, if the blister is small, there is no need to open it. By opening it you may actually increase the risk of developing an infection. Second, large blisters should be drained, but do not remove the “dead layer” of skin over the top of the blister (this layer of skin will assist in covering and protecting the sensitive skin under it). Draining a blister is a very easy process.
The area should be cleaned well with soap and water, or an alcohol pad from your survival kit. You can use a needle or safety pin that has been held over a small flame until the tip turns red. Once the need or pin has cooled, puncture the dead skin on the edge of the blister a couple of times. Then, gently massage the blister to drain the fluid. Pay close attention to the color of the fluid, it should be clear and not milky or a pus color (discoloration indications infection). After you have drained the blister, do not remove the top layer of dead skin. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the blister, cover with a band-aid, and put on clean dry socks. Check the blister each day and if your feet become wet or dirty, check it more often. But, it is easier to prevent a blister than it is to treat one in the field.
· Get properly fitting boots. If the boots are too tight, blisters will form. If the boots are too large, the foot will move inside the boot and will rub against the inside. Your boot should not fit snuggly, but rather you should have about a thumbs width of space between your big toe and the boot tip.
· Wear good quality socks and change them often. Even the friction of a sock can cause a blister to form. Wet socks may cause damage to the skin on your feet and increase the risk of getting a blister.
· Always apply a foot powder when you put on clean socks. Foot powder will absorb the dampness on your feet and help keep them dry.
· Make sure your feet are in good shape before you ever use your boots. Keep the toenails trimmed, remove calluses, and smooth any rough spots on the foot.
· Some folks even apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to their feet to reduce the amount of friction that can occur while hiking.
Each night, especially after a long day of hiking, I will check my feet very closely. I pay close attention to the color of my feet, any unusual smells, and I check for cracks under or between the toes. Any small blisters or cracks found, I treat as minor injuries and cover them with a band-aid after I have cleaned them. I never sleep in the same socks I have worn all day, regardless of the temperature. The socks may feel dry, but they will have condensation from your feet that will keep your feet damp. If you want to sleep in socks, put a clean pair on.
Most of us who hunt or hike take our feet for granted. We often ignore them until they start to ach or hurt. But, by then it may be too late. Keep your feet dry, clean, warm, and protected at all times. Remember to use foot powder and do not sleep in your “old” socks, but rather, put on a clean pair. A hiking trip can quickly turn from fun in the sun to a nightmare if we don’t take care of our feet. By following these simple suggestions you will always be able to stand on your own two feet.
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My grampapa always use to tell me if I didn’t change my stinky socks I would get trench foot. He said it every time he saw my socking feet even if they were new socks. My dad later told me that grampapa had trench foot in WWII and said that he thought it was going to kill him it was so painful. I don’t know how he got rid of it. Thanks for the article. Brought back some funny memories of my grampapa.