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Blisters Begone - Toughen Your Feet

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated: July 03, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

They don't call a newbie a tenderfoot for nothing! Your soft, pink feet will have fewer problems with blisters if they are a little tougher.

Calluses are your friends: As your feet get more of a workout, they build up calluses. These are your friends - you want calluses, which act as a natural pad against the friction that forms blisters. Do not give in to beauty and shave off or pumice down the calluses - at least until after the long walk.

Tannic acid to toughen: Marathoners and long distance walkers may want to toughen the feet with 10% tannic acid or a tea soak. Apply the tannic acid to your feet, or soak in strong tea, twice daily for two to three weeks.

Moisturize Away Heel Cracks: To prevent your calluses drying out too much and developing painful cracks, moisturize your feet after each bath or shower with a good foot cream or hand cream.

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