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.

'First, clean the blister with an antiseptic wipe.'

Published September 30, 2009 05:52PM

First, clean the blister with an antiseptic wipe.

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.

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.

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

Secure the moleskin with athletic or duct tape.

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