First-aid kit - foot problems

After an all-day trip, many anxious mountain expeditions are troubled by the problems of the feet. The most common conditions include blisters, corns (corns), calluses and plantar warts. They seem to have a similar appearance, but they differ in the place of occurrence and the reason for their formation. It is worth to learn the basic methods of treating these changes to take appropriate steps to remove them.

abrasions

Abrasion is a surface damage to the skin, limited to the epidermis. To prevent the development of microorganisms, they must be disinfected. If it is extensive, you can use a disinfectant in the aerosol. Washing with a cotton swab or gauze is not always beneficial, because it can lead to the transfer of saprophytic bacteria (a bacterial flora found on the skin) within the wound. Remember that abrasion should be secured with a sterile dressing, because even superficial wounds can cause infection.

Blisters and sores

Blisters arise from the irritation of thin skin on the feet, but also on the hands. They are formed not only as a result of long hikes, while practicing sports, but also as a result of overheating of the feet. The blame for their appearance is also inconvenient shoes made of air-tight materials. As a result of prolonged friction, the skin reacts with irritation. Like in the case of burns, from the blood vessels to the tissue, the liquid gets through. It can be said that this liquid is designed to protect the underlying tissue from further friction, and the entire bladder is actually a defensive reaction. However, if the friction persists, the bladder may break,
and then a wound will be created.

How to apply for blisters

• the resulting blisters should be protected with special patches, with the so-called artificial leather that closely matches the affected skin surface, easily available in pharmacies, eg Urgo or Compeed Style Sos . The latter are made of invisible hydrocolloid, they quickly cure changes, protect against subsequent abrasions, while relieving pain and pressure. However, remember to thoroughly clean and dry the skin, as the patch will not stick to the oily and moist surface.
• blisters are not allowed to pierce until they dry themselves, because the skin beneath them is very vulnerable to infection. When the bladder breaks, disinfect the area with an antiseptic
• it is not allowed to break the skin that covers the bladder, because it is a natural dressing. If we do, we will only enlarge the area of ​​damaged skin.
• remember that to avoid the formation of blisters should be worn properly matched footwear that does not pinch or clog the feet. It is also worth to regularly apply creams for their care, especially if you intend to go on a longer hiking trip
• if the feet tend to be excessively sweaty, it is important to have good hygiene and care and keep them dry
• seek medical advice if we notice any symptoms of bladder infection, particularly thick, purulent secretion

First aid in case of foot chafes is a healing bath, soothing irritation with the addition of powdered chamomile flowers, oak bark or sage. Soothes irritations, astringent, anti-inflammatory. After this treatment it is worth to put on a sterile dressing for the changed place. It is also recommended to use powder, powders with astringent, soothing properties, e.g. Dermatol (the component responsible for the antiseptic effect is bismuth gallate), Propolis 3% medicinal powder, Linomag powder (with vitamin F).

What are calluses

These are the outbreaks of hyperkeratosis of the skin of the feet. They appear most often on the sole of the foot or on the heel, in response to uneven load, under constant pressure or friction. Thus, the main reason for their formation is uncomfortable footwear. Calluses are quite painful changes. The so-called. "burning pain" usually occurs with long-term pressure, while walking. Calluses should be treated as otherwise there is a risk of developing inflammation. Their elimination consists in regular abrasion with a grater or pumice stone and the use of special plasters with softening substances, e.g. School, Compeed Active Corn. After a few days, we unstick the patch and remove the imprint with a special file. Remember that you do not cut out these changes yourself because of the risk of infection.

prints

Popularly called corn, they are defined as a defensive reaction of the skin to increased pressure at one point of the foot. There is an increased production of horny epidermal cells in this place. The location of the fingerprints is, in comparison to calluses, the upper surfaces of the toes and the interdigital spaces. This problem most often affects women. However, their reason may be not only tight, uncomfortable shoes, but also trouble with blood circulation or crooked toes. The prints are skin lesions of a small area, they are strongly hardened, shiny, have so-called the nucleus, visible as a black spot. And it is this core that can oppress the nerve ending underneath. Developing pain may appear spontaneously or under the influence of mechanical pressure.

Help in removing fingerprints

A liquid for removing Acerin corns and thickened skin is available on sale. Ingredients that are responsible for its exfoliating and softening the skin, so-called Keratolytic are: salicylic acid and lactic acid. Applying preparations for imprints should be preceded by a good soaking of feet in warm soapy water (20-30 minutes), followed by thorough drying. It is worth doing it in the evening and then apply the preparation on the prints and leave it overnight.

You can also use Scholl liquid for removing imprints or ointment for Aflofarm imprints. The composition of these drugs is the same as Acerin. Calluses will also help to soften special slices, such as School, Compeed Active Corn. They are made of soft gel, moisturize the hardened, dry skin of the imprint and facilitate its natural removal. They are invisible and waterproof, and a therefore very comfortable. The patch is glued on for a few days, after this time it usually tears itself off, and the remains of the imprint are rubbed with a grater or a special file. Remember that, as in the case of callus, do not cut out any prints. If home remedies do not work and the pain leads to more and more serious problems with walking, consult a doctor.

HPV virus - the cause of plantar papillae.

Very often they are confused with ordinary prints. This causes their incorrect treatment and relapses. Most often you can get them at the swimming pool, in the sauna or in sports halls. The factor responsible for their appearance is human HPV papilloma virus. They are infectious and easily spreadable. Unlike fingerprints, they rarely cause pain, although they can sometimes be hurt while walking.
In the treatment of plantar warts, commonly known as warts, we use preparations that contain salicylic acid and lactic acid. Salicylic acid softens and loosens the keratinized epidermis, while lactic acid is a corrosive agent, destroying not only the wart tissue, but also viruses. In the pharmacy there are funds available: Brodacid fluid, Duofilm liquid, Scholl gel for removal of warts, warts and corns. It is worth to be patient, however. Therapy with these preparations is long-term (about 5-7 weeks) and requires regularity. The specificity of a different action is a Wartner preparation, removing warts on feet with the freezing method, similar to that performed in the dermatological office. However, there are doctors who advocate the so-called natural methods, i.e. lubrication of diseased sites with celandine stem extract, swallowtail herb. Thanks to the presence of chelidonine with antiviral properties, the milk juice of this plant allows you to effectively get rid of warts.