First-Aid Manual: Treat a Blister

Learn how to fix this common hiking ailment correctly and you'll be back on the trail in no time.

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First, clean the blister with an antiseptic wipe.

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Sterilize the point of a safety pin, needle, or knife with flame or an alcohol swab. Gently pierce the blister, then massage the fluid out. Leave the skin that covers the blister intact.

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Cut a donut-shaped piece of moleskin to fit over the blister. Alternately, you can cover the blister with a friction-reducing dressing, such as Blist-o-Ban.

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Prevent infection by filling the hole in the moleskin with antibiotic ointment.

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Secure the moleskin with athletic or duct tape.