How to Use Moleskin for Blisters

What is moleskin?

Moleskin is a lightweight yet dense cotton fabric. One face is plush while the reverse side bears a pressure-sensitive adhesive. It’s commonly used inside footwear to improve fit and increase comfort. It also serves well to shield a blister from further rubbing.

Moleskin is available at most pharmacies and through retailers like Amazon.

How do I use it on a blister?

Because moleskin is tough and long-lasting, it’s a good choice for protecting blisters in areas exposed to repeated friction, especially on the feet.

If you’ve ever stuck a regular bandage on a blister at the back of your heel, you may have noticed it peeling off soon after putting on shoes. Moleskin adheres more reliably than standard bandages and its greater thickness gives added cushioning and support.

To apply moleskin to a blister, do the following:

1. Gently cleanse and dry the skin surrounding the blister.
2. Cut a piece of moleskin about 3/4 inch larger than the blister.
3. Fold the nonadhesive surfaces together. Cut a semicircle from the folded moleskin about half the diameter of the blister. When you unfold it, there should be a blister-sized opening in the center.
4. Peel the backing off the adhesive side and press the moleskin down so the blister sits within the hole you created.

If the blister protrudes above the moleskin, trim and add a second layer to increase padding. For very large blisters, consider using moleskin that has a thicker foam backing, which is also sold on Amazon.

Cushioning around the blister reduces rubbing and irritation. It also helps protect the blister from bursting, which tends to be painful and raises the chance of infection.

How do I use it to prevent a blister?

If you’re breaking in new shoes or expect to be walking or running for extended periods, you can stick moleskin onto spots that normally blister. This shields the skin underneath from the friction that creates blisters.

You can also wrap individual toes with moleskin to stop them from chafing one another.

Alternatively, apply moleskin to the inside of your shoes. This is especially helpful when shoes have a bothersome seam or a narrow heel that digs into your skin.

What not to do

Do not place moleskin directly over an open blister. The strong adhesive can pull off the blister’s top layer (the roof) when removed. That top layer helps protect the blister from infection.

The bottom line

Moleskin is a practical way to safeguard current blisters and prevent new ones from developing. You can even stick it inside shoes where rubbing occurs. Just avoid covering a blister directly with moleskin, since the adhesive can damage the blister’s protective layer.