Foot Problems and Care
Disorders
Treatment
1. Cut an oval hole in the middle of a rectangular piece of moleskin or Molefoam the size of the hot spot. Center this over the affected area and secure it in place, making sure that the sticky surface is not on inflamed skin (Fig. 22-1). Reinforce adhesion of the moleskin or Molefoam with tape or a piece of nonwoven adhesive knit dressing.
FIGURE 22-1 Hot spot treated with Molefoam.
2. If moleskin or Molefoam is not available, place a piece of tape over the hot spot, provided that it will not rub or slide. Moleskin may be improvised from the cuff of a sweatshirt or flannel shirt and Molefoam from a piece of padding from a backpack shoulder strap or hip belt. The improvised moleskin can be secured in place with cyanoacrylate “superglue,” Dermabond, or other tissue glue.
3. If available, apply a Blist-O-Ban bandage or improvised friction relief bandage (Fig. 22-2) directly to the hot spot.
Blisters
Treatment
1. If the blister is small and still intact, do not puncture or drain it.
2. Place a piece of moleskin or Molefoam, with a hole cut out slightly larger than the blister, over the site. Make sure it is thick enough to keep footwear from rubbing against the blister (similar to hot spot treatment; see Fig. 22-1). Additional layers may be required. Secure this with tape.
3. If the blister is large but still intact, gently clean the skin, then aspirate fluid from the blister using a needle and syringe. Alternatively, the blister can be punctured with a clean needle or safety pin at its base and fluid massaged out of the bleb.
4. Debride any dead, stiff, or necrotic skin using scissors.
5. Clean the area with an antiseptic or with soap and water.
