First aid & safety中文
Treating Common Trail Injuries: Blisters, Sprains, Sunburn
The three injuries that end the most hikes are mundane: blisters, sprains, and sunburn. Here is the field treatment for each.
In short
Most hiking injuries are mundane. For blisters: pad the hot spot early, and drain large ones with a sterilized needle while keeping the skin. For sprains: follow RICE — rest, ice, compression, elevation — icing 15 minutes every 2 hours for the first 48 hours. For sunburn: cool compresses, aloe gel, fluids, and no further exposure.
Blisters
- Prevention: broken-in shoes and socks; the moment you feel a hot spot, cover it with moleskin.
- Treatment: leave small blisters intact and cover them with a blister plaster. For large ones, sterilize a needle, pierce the edge, drain the fluid, and leave the skin in place.
Sprains
- RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.
- Ice for the first 48 hours: 15 minutes at a time, every 2 hours.
- No heat, and no rubbing with alcohol.
Sunburn
- Prevention: physical protection (hat + long sleeves) beats sunscreen.
- Treatment: cool compresses, aloe gel, plenty of water, and stay out of the sun.
Can You Keep Hiking on a Blister?
Usually yes — pad it with a blister plaster or medical tape to cut the friction. But if the pain changes how you walk, stop and deal with it: an altered gait invites a second injury.
This is general field guidance, not medical advice. For severe pain, visible deformity, or symptoms that don't improve, get professional care.