Moleskin, a medical supply composed of a thick, soft cotton flannel fabric with an adhesive backing, serves as a barrier to protect skin from the damaging effects of friction. Applying this padding to high-friction areas, such as the back of the heel where new or ill-fitting shoes rub, dramatically reduces the shear forces that cause fluid-filled blisters to form. The goal is to create a smooth, durable second skin that absorbs rubbing before it can damage the underlying epidermal layers.
Essential Preparation Before Application
The effectiveness of the moleskin depends on a clean application surface. Before touching the adhesive, the skin around the heel must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils, sweat, or dirt, which compromise the bond. Use mild soap and water or an alcohol wipe to degrease the area completely. The skin must then be allowed to air-dry fully, as moisture causes the moleskin to peel prematurely. Gather supplies, including the moleskin itself, a pencil for tracing, and sharp scissors to ensure clean, precise cuts.
Customizing the Moleskin Shape
The correct shape of the moleskin is determined by whether the goal is prevention or treatment of an existing blister.
Prevention Patches
For general friction prevention on a “hot spot” or an intact area of skin, a simple rectangular or oval patch is sufficient. These patches should be large enough to extend well beyond the problem area, allowing the adhesive to anchor firmly to healthy, undisturbed skin.
Blister Treatment (Donut Shape)
When a blister has already formed, the technique is to create a protective “donut” shape. Cut a piece of moleskin large enough to surround the blister with at least a half-inch margin. The material is then folded in half with the non-adhesive sides together, and a half-circle is cut along the fold, creating a central hole when unfolded. This opening must be slightly larger than the blister itself, ensuring the soft cotton fabric is elevated around the injury but does not press directly onto the blister’s delicate roof. Cutting the outer edges of the moleskin with a rounded contour, rather than sharp corners, is important because rounded edges are less likely to catch on socks or the inside of a shoe, which could cause the patch to roll or peel.
Precise Application to the Heel
Applying the moleskin correctly maximizes the adhesive’s grip, particularly on the complex curve of the heel. Once the desired shape is cut and the skin is prepared, the paper backing is slowly peeled away. Take care not to touch the exposed adhesive with fingers, as this transfers oils that weaken the stickiness. The patch must be centered precisely over the area of concern, ensuring that if a donut shape is used, the blister rests perfectly within the protective well.
The application begins by gently placing the center of the moleskin down first, and then smoothing the material outwards toward the edges. This process pushes out any trapped air, preventing the formation of bubbles or wrinkles that could create new friction points. On the curved surface of the heel, a firm, consistent pressure should be maintained for several seconds to activate the adhesive bond fully. If the blister is large or elevated, a second, identical moleskin donut can be layered directly on top of the first, increasing the thickness of the protective ring to ensure the injury is shielded from pressure.
Duration of Wear and Safe Removal
Moleskin is designed to be a temporary solution, typically lasting for about 24 hours of activity before the adhesive begins to degrade. Signs that the moleskin needs replacement include the edges starting to peel, or the material becoming damp from sweat or external moisture. Continued wear once the edges lift can introduce dirt and bacteria to the skin. Maintaining a continuous, smooth barrier against friction is important, so any compromise to the patch requires a fresh application.
Safe removal is important to prevent painful skin stripping or tearing. The adhesive bond should be weakened first, instead of ripping the material off. Soaking the foot in warm water will soften the adhesive, making the process gentler. Alternatively, apply a small amount of a lipid-based product, such as baby oil or olive oil, directly onto the edges of the patch to help dissolve the adhesive compounds. Once the oil has soaked in for a few minutes, the moleskin can be peeled back slowly and parallel to the skin surface, minimizing trauma and sticky residue.