• A friction blister is a raised pocket of clear fluid, covered by skin.
• Most blisters should not be opened. The reason is that it increases the possibility of infection.
• However, large or severely painful blisters generally should be drained. This is done by puncturing the blister with a sterile needle or pin and pushing the fluid out. (See #4 below)

• Goal: Protect the blister from additional pressure and rubbing.
• Surround it with a "donut" made from moleskin (available at your local pharmacy)
• Using a scissors, cut a piece of moleskin to a shape slightly larger than the blister.
• Next cut a hole the size of the blister in the center. Do this by folding the moleskin in half and cut along the fold.
• Remove the covering from the adhesive side, and then apply the moleskin with the blister in the center.
• If the blister is taller than the moleskin, add another layer of moleskin.
• Hold the "donut" in place with a large strip of duct tape.
• Another option: If moleskin is not available, use a Bandaid, fold it and cut the center out to the size of the blister.
• For foot blisters, also switch to shoes that don't rub the blister.

Pain Medicine: For pain relief, give acetaminophen every 4 hours or ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed (See Dosage table).

• Draining a large blister can relieve the pain.
• Wash the skin with warm water and an antibacterial soap.
• Sterilize a needle or straight pin with rubbing alcohol or a flame.
• Gently press the fluid to one side of the blister to create a bulge.
• Pass the needle horizontally through the fluid creating 2 puncture holes. Gently wiggle the needle to make the holes larger.
• Remove the needle.
• Press the fluid out through the holes.
• Leave the roof of the blister in place to protect the raw skin underneath.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment (no prescription needed). Reapply it 2 times per day after cleansing.
• Cover the drained blister with a Bandaid.

• If the blister breaks open, let it drain.
• Leave the roof of the blister in place to protect the raw skin underneath.
• If there are any loose flaps of skin, trim them with a fine scissors.
• Wash it with warm water and an antibacterial soap.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment (no prescription needed) twice a day.
• Cover it with a Band-Aid.

• Blister looks infected
• Severe pain and you want your child's doctor to drain blister
• Your child becomes worse

• A blood blister can occur when the skin gets pinched (for example, in a hinge or a closing door).
• It creates a tiny pocket of bloody fluid covered by skin. It is dark red or purple in color.
• A blood blister is not serious.
• No specific treatment is needed. It is not necessary to drain it.
• It will slowly dry up and peel off over 1-2 weeks.

• Your child becomes worse

• Shoes: Buy shoes that fit. Avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose. New hiking boots are often somewhat stiff. It is wise to first wear them around the house and on short walks before wearing them on a long hike.
• Socks: Avoid cotton socks; they tend to retain moisture and stay damp. Instead use synthetic (acrylic) or wool socks. Some people prefer specially designed and padded 'sports' or 'hiking' socks. Other people prefer to wear two socks at a time, a thin inner liner ('wicking') sock and a thicker outer sock.
• Lubricants: If your child frequently gets blisters at certain pressure points, you
  may want to try using a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly. Cover the pressure point with a small amount of the lubricant before athletic activities to decrease the friction on the spot.
• Callus: If blisters usually occur under a callus, file the callus down and lubricate it so it won't contribute to the friction.
• Taping Pressure Points: If a lubricant doesn't prevent blisters, taping is the
  next step. Taping is a very effective way to treat hot spots or friction blisters. Many hikers and runners use taping. Follow the instructions listed down below.

• OPTION 1 - MOLESKIN
• Moleskin is available at your local pharmacy. It is an effective way to prevent friction blisters. Here are some instructions on how to use moleskin.
• Using scissors, cut the moleskin to a shape slightly larger than the pressure point.
• Remove the backing from the moleskin. Apply it to the pressure point. Smooth it from the center outward so that there are no wrinkles.
• Put on a clean and dry sock.
• OPTION 2 - TAPING WITH DUCT TAPE
• Duct tape is available at your local hardware store. It is an effective way to prevent friction blisters. Many hikers and runners use it. Here are some instructions on how to use duct tape.
• Using scissors, cut out a piece of duct tape into a shape slightly larger than the pressure point.
• Apply the piece of duct tape to the pressure point. Smooth it from the center outward so that there are no wrinkles.
• Put on a clean and dry sock.

• This mainly applies to walkers, hikers, and runners.
• Slowly increasing the distance that you hike or run over days to weeks will increase the toughness of the skin. This will reduce the likelihood of blisters occurring.

• You have other questions or concerns

• Gloves: Wear heavy-duty work gloves when working with the hands and using such tools as shovels, picks, and rakes. Sports gloves can be used for rowing, paddling, weight lifting or cycling.
• Lubricants: Reduce friction at pressure points by covering them with a lubricant such as petroleum jelly.

• You have other questions or concerns