If you already have blisters on your foot you will want to treat and heal them. However, if you are about to go hiking, running or walking and want to prevent blisters from ever forming in the first place read on.


Steps

1. Understand that blisters develop from friction. Typically your toes experience high friction when things are wet, hot, or dirty. So to avoid blisters you will want to reduce friction and keep your feet clean, dry, and cool.
2. Start with proper shoes. To minimize rubbing, you will want a thumb's width between the shoe and the end of your toes. Avoid wearing shoes that have pressure points.
   • Break in your shoes before you wear them in prolonged exercise.
3. Chose the right socks. Layering 2 socks can reduce friction. Similarly, wearing polypropylene or other synthetic wicking fabrics that remove moisture will help.
   • Avoid tube socks as their loose fit will cause rubbing.
   • Avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and can be more abrasive than other fabrics.
   • Avoid socks with holes as they will provide extra friction.
4. Toughen your skin to prevent blisters from forming. Consider applying tincture of benzoin to harden your skin. Similarly try walking barefoot around your home and in safe outdoor areas to toughen your soles. Some have reported that rubbing alcohol also toughens the skin.
5. Prevent the friction by following any of these techniques:
   • Apply lubricant such as Body Glide.
   • Stay dry by applying foot powder, talcum or corn starch. If your socks get wet, change into a new pair.
   • Prevent rubbing by putting skin covers such as mole skin, bandages, second skin, blister blocks, wrapping tape or even duct tape over the areas which are prone to blisters.