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Blister Prevention - Dry Your Feet

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 17, 2012

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

Keeping your feet dry starts with wicking socks, but you can also use other strategies.

Corn Starch and Talcum Powder: First, plain old corn starch (yep, just like you use in cooking) in your socks and shoes can keep your feet dry. Reapply it at least once in a long distance event. Baby powder or talcum powder both smells nice and also acts to keep the feet dry.

Antiperspirant: A military study showed that using a special heavy-duty antiperspirant on the feet reduced the incidence of blisters. While regular antiperspirant is less concentrated, it might be worth trying.

But Drink Up: Keep your feet dry, but don't let the rest of you get dehydrated. Keep drinking water for the first hour, then a sports drink with electrolytes (salts) to keep your body fluids in balance. Getting dehydrated can contribute to blisters.

Next page > Coverups to Protect

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