Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Doctor Scholl's Moleskin

Is it just me or is any one else having problems with Doctor Scholl’s brand of mole skin? Recently on a 4 trip from Horseshoe Meadow to the Portal, I used mole skin to protect my heel from blisters. I have done this for years without any problems. However, within a mile or two I felt a slight burning sensation. When I removed my sock, the mole skin had moved and a soft area formed. The sticky portion was no longer sticky. It appears that moisture causes the mole skin to lose its sticky nature.

As I mentioned, I have used mole skin since 1965 and once you applied it, it would never move and be next to impossible to take off. I used to wade through streams and the mole skin stayed intact.

What has changed? Any thoughts?

Thanks

paul

Paul,
I don't use much of any brand of moleskin but had an experience once that taught me something useful about getting it to really stay put. This might not be practical on an extended trip but I've treated a friend or two, prior to a day hike, with good results. This technique was taught to me by a podiatrist at the Western States 100 race. These guys have loads of experience with getting moleskin to stick to dirty feet and staying on for miles and miles. Go to a store that has supplies for athletic trainers like a good sporting goods store and get some QDA (quick drying adhesive). I think Toughskin will do in a pinch. QDA comes in a spray can. Spray it on an area beyond the margin of where you intend to stick the moleskin and then apply the moleskin. You almost need a solvent like nail polish remover to get the stuff off.

I used to have the same problem with heel blisters, and you're right the adhesive on moleskin isn't as good as it used to be. The solution: buy some tincture of benzoine (REI or most any drug store), swab the area where you want the moleskin to stick, let it dry for 5-10 minutes and then stick on the moleskin. It is very important that it dries completely. If you do this, you'll pratically need power tools to get the moleskin off, but you won't have blisters. Oh, the agony of de feet...
Andreas

I stopped using moleskin for heel blisters, period. Try Compeed by J&J, you will never go back.

I alway use tincture of benzoine with moleskin. My guess is Dr. Scholls has switched to a water based adhesive which are useless as far as I'm concerned.

Bill

While I'm on a roll...

Give duct tape a try. It's saved me on a number of climbs.

Bill,
Don't you need to put Compeed under something to hold it against the blister like Second Skin? I have heard some good reports about it, too, but wasn't sure how it sticks or stays in place.

There is an interesting book called "Fixing Your Feet" by Vonhof and Kozak that has some good suggestions. It is not generally geared towards hikers but has some good suggestions if you experience blisters regularly.

Paul,

Just clean and dry. I've had it on for 3 or 4 days without failure. I've never used 2nd Skin but I think the principle is near the same.

If you foot is clean and dry it will stick like grim death.

Bill

Thanks to everyone.

You've been very helpful. In some ways I wish I would have asked this question sooner, probably do to embarrassment. There were a lot of good suggestions and I promise you that I will try them out next year.

If you haveta go cheap, don't forget the least expensive option. Duct it! Duct tape that is....the fix all. I never leave home without it. It has come in handy for more than just feet. Granted it's not as plush and classy as moleskin, but it gets the job done.

I used the Coleman brand of moleskin on both feet where I knew blisters might form (not my heels). One foot stuck like glue the other rolled up and was uncomfortable. I think I didn't clean the one foot as well as the other. I only used rubbing alcohol and a relatively rough washcloth to clean one foot (the one that stuck well) the other I used a paper towel on the other, and that one didn't stick.

Live and learn.

For taping feet, Elastoplast (by Beiersdorf) or Elastikon (by Johnson & Johnson) are MUCH BETTER than duct tape. These tapes are thicker than adhesive tape, they stretch to conform to difficult areas and they stick! Really well.

Buy a 2" role, cut a rectangle for your heel, and it will stay for days of miles.

I've carried a roll to blisterproof every outing for seven years (because moleskin never held.) You usually can find Elastoplast or Elastikon at a podiatric supply house or sometimes at an independent type of pharmacy in the medical/clinical part of town. (Chains like Walgreen's usually don't have it)

Here are some web-blurbs:

ELASTIKON Elastic Tape by Johnson & Johnson
Elastikon elastic tape is made of a high twist, cotton elastic cloth tape with a rubber based adhesive. It is best used where pressure dressings requiring elasticity are needed or can be used for support strapping, fractures, muscle injuries, knees, elbows, and shoulders. Natural rubber backing, not latex free.
http://www.allegromedical.com/Home/moreinfo.asp?C=541&S=3784&M=15077&P=191128

Elastoplast - Comfortable yet rugged, pure cotton adhesive bandage that provides excellent support while its stretchability allows for freedom of movement—it won’t slip, bunch up or gap and needs no clips. http://www.alertservices.com/images/BSNELAST.jpg

http://www.google.com/search?num=20&...kon+elastoplast

Another great way to avoid blisters and hot spots is SpriralFlex. You can find it at REI.