The miracle bandage – the Tegaderm
My Achilles Heel. The blister was open, infected and my foot was swollen.
Sometimes applying a band-aid to a problem isn’t enough. You have to apply the right band-aid. My recent Long Trail hike was nearly derailed by a large infected blister on my heel. I tried several options to keep it covered and protected, from duct tape to moleskin to various brands of bandages meant for blisters. These bandages were too independent and quickly divorced themselves from my wound to take joy rides around the inside of my sock leaving my blister exposed while I walked on what felt like chewed up bubble gum.
Then I spoke with a pharmacist in Waitsfield, Vermont. He recommended the 3M Tegaderm pictured here. I used this bandage, which not only completely covered the wound but kept it dry and stayed on all day despite the rigorous hiking required by the Long Trail. I did add moleskin on top of the bandage to help keep pressure off the open blister, which also helped ease or prevent further pain and rubbing.
I will make this bandage a stock item in my First Aid kit for future hikes.
freelancetrekker 
Hi Freelance tracker, I have read all you logs, very interesting, I also come from northern Vt. where you were hiking, born & raised there. I want to wish you A very Merry Christmas & A happy & Healthy New Year, Take care & happy trails.
Hi Gabrielle — Thank you for your comment and especially for following along! It was encouraging to me during my hike to know that I was able to share it with others and, on challenging days, that I had support. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours as well! — Freelance.
I have problems with blisters on my heals all the time and have tried everything to keep hiking while afflicted! I am so getting these, thanks for the tip and the post!
Hiking to Healthy — You’ve probably already thought of this, but try to figure out why you’re prone to blisters. My problems were caused by boots not appropriate to my hike. Most blisters I could nip in the bud with a protective bandage over a hot spot, so early care makes a difference, as you know. However, the blister on my heel could not overcome my poor choice in boots, which I finally replaced about two-thirds of the way through the hike.
That said, I hope the Tegaderm product helps — it sure helped me!
I have tried everything over the years! This past summer I even tried physical therapy to see if the way I walk is the problem. Until I figure it out I am so trying this!!!
[…] love affair with these comfy and lightweight boots had turned into a bitter feud leaving my feet blistered and infected, as if they’d spent a wild weekend in Singapore. The proprietor took one look at my Salmon […]