A 30p trick to help stop the misery of blisters

THE burning pain of blisters may have cut short many a girls’ night out, as well as a host of well- intentioned charity fun runs.

But scientists have discovered a way to help stop the painful lesions forming in the first place – which is straightforward as well as cheap.

The team of researchers found that simply wrapping blister-prone areas with surgical tape – a roll of which can be bought online for only 30p – helps to stop the sores from forming. The tape can also typically be bought for under £2 at any high street pharmacy.

Dr Grant Lipman, of Stanford University, made the discovery after working to treat the feet of ultramarathon runners – who can end up running for dozens of miles every day they compete.

He had also listened to complaints from military doctors, who claimed that the state of their recruits’ feet was stopping them taking part in basic training.

Methods that were being used to try and prevent blisters included lubricants, specialist creams and plasters. Popular home remedies included spraying on deodorant, soaking a foot in green tea or dabbing on some aloe vera gel or even apple cider vinegar.

But Dr Lipman explained: ‘People have been studying blister prevention for 40 years and never found anything easy that works.’

He tested his theory on 128 runners who were taking part in a 155mile ultramarathon.

He found areas of the endurance runners’ feet which were covered by a layer of tape only developed blisters in 23 per cent of cases – compared to untaped areas, which were affected by the painful sores in 63 per cent of cases.

Discussing the study, which will be published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, Dr Lipman said: ‘It’s a ridiculously cheap and easy method.

‘You can get this tape anywhere.’ He went on to point out: ‘The best way to make it to the finish line is by taking care of your feet.’