60
|
FALL 2012
to round the edges of the moleskin or tape before application
because sharp corners are more prone to peeling off.
If a blister has already appeared, make a “doughnut” out of
moleskin (one or more layers thick) or Molefoam (a thicker
version of moleskin) to reduce friction on the blister.
If possible, leave blisters intact — resist the temptation
to break them. Intact blisters heal more quickly. However,
sometimes it will be impossible to leave a blister intact. A
hiker in the middle of a trip, for example, has little choice
but to put his feet back into his boots and keep walking. In
situations like these, it is appropriate, and indeed preferable,
to break blisters intentionally. Use a sanitized needle or
sharp blade, and make a puncture or small incision near the
blister’s edge. Make the perforation at the bottom of the
blister if applicable (with a heel blister, for example) as this
makes use of gravity to help the blister drain. Add a little
antibiotic ointment and cover just as you would for other
small, superficial wounds.
It’s difficult to get tape to adhere to skin in wet
environments, so use tincture of benzoin, a medical adhesive
available at many drug stores, to help.
Fish Hooks
The general rule regarding impaled
objects is to not remove them.
There are a few exceptions to this,
which include small objects lodged
in fingers or toes. Never attempt to
remove a hook from the face or an
eye; stabilize it in place and get the
victim medical attention as soon as
possible.
One proven method of fish-
hook removal is known as the
string-yank technique. First, tie
a piece of fishing line around the
curve in the hook. Then, press
the shank of the hook downward
toward the skin. The resulting
levering action should disengage
the barb inside the wound. Using
the line you tied, quickly snatch
the hook out of the wound in the
direction from which it entered.
Alternatively, if the sharp end
of the hook emerges from the
skin or is very close to doing so,
it’s not unreasonable to push
the hook through until the barb
appears and clip it off. The hook
can then be backed out.
RESEARCH, EDUCATION & MEDICINE
//
F I E L D M E D I C I N E
STEPHEN FRINK