The best way to handle blisters is to start treating them before they form.

Make sure your child pulls their
nylon/wool blend socks on tightly,
so they they won't bunch up.

Prevent them by making sure:

		your child is wearing comfortable socks and footwear,
		the socks aren't bunched up in the shoe, and
		the shoes or boots have been broken in before you hit the trail.

But what if you're in the middle of a hike and your child complains of a"hot spot" — a painful spot on the foot caused by friction?

A common cure is to apply moleskin or a Band-Aid. These can definitely be helpful, but be aware that they do have their own problems. Band-Aids often fall off. Moleskin is somewhat thick, and therefore increases pressure when pressure caused the original problem.

An easy solution to these problems is to apply white athletic tape, or even duct tape, as strange as this may sound. That's because these tapes are thinner than moleskin and stay in place better than most Band-Aids.

Yet another product is called Second Skin, by Spenco, which can be applied to sore spots or blisters.

Once home, check those shoes or boots thoroughly. Determine whether this was a one-time problem, or whether your child truly needs new or different footwear the next time you hit the trail.

Don't Break That Blister!

Exhibit A: the healthy heel

Once a blister forms, don't prick it open if it's still intact. The fluid helps protect the irritated area and promotes healing. What's more, broken blisters can be prone to infection.

		Bring out the moleskin, molefoam (slightly thicker moleskin), or Second Skin.
		Cut out a piece that's a bit bigger than the problem area, so if fits over the blister and some surrounding skin.
		Next, cut a hole in the middle of this piece that's about the same size as the blister.
		Get rid of the cut-out moleskin and place the remaining moleskin over the area so that the blister is open to the air and can breathe, but the area around it is protected. This"doughnut"-shaped moleskin can now help protect the area and reduce friction.

The Final Word

If your child's feet are really hurting, you have only two choices:

		Switch to more comfortable shoes if you have them on hand, or
		Turn around and head back.

The later option can be hard, especially if you have a hiking goal in mind or are in the middle of a fun day.

Trust me, I know. We've had to turn back before we were ready.

However, sore feet turn happy little hikers into very unhappy whiners.

Enough said.

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