They make non toxic super glue, but I would opt for the product called New-Skin. Same concept. I’ve used it a few times on my fingers when I’d get a cut but still needed to be able to play my guitar.
As mentioned ‘New Skin’ or other liquid bandage is fine. Be prepared for the initial spike in pain! There has been some research that says it’s bad for skin/wounds as it destroys some of the tissue but for paper cuts, abrasion, blister pops it’s my go to. If you put on too much then it sort of hardens and pulls away, so not great for large areas. For your Achilles look into Compeed or bandaid hypo colloidal bandages. These have saved many races for me, the liquid bandage would just rub off with the constant friction.
Never met anyone who’s ever done this. Looking for folks who’ve tried and confirmed it works? Any glue you recommend?
I have blisters on my achilles right now and can’t run. Was thinking of trying this “hack” but am also concerned about ending up at the ER.
Your thoughts and feedback are appreciated.
I haven’t used superglue for blisters specifically, but use it quite often for dings/reef cuts from surfing or for small, deeper cuts that could probably use a stitch or two. The medical variety is a bit more flexible. No issues with infection, adverse reactions, etc…I imagine it could work pretty well for blisters also?
I use dollar store superglue on blisters and cuts of all kinds all the time and I have yet to suffer any ill effects from this practice
I find the super glue cheaper and longer-lasting than new skin, and it lacks the sting upon initial use. Re-apply the glue every morning until healed and keep on running!
I’ve done it in the past without problems however several years ago I did it and ended up with a nasty infection had a line running from my foot clean up my leg till I got to the doctor…
Never met anyone who’s ever done this. Looking for folks who’ve tried and confirmed it works? Any glue you recommend?
I have blisters on my achilles right now and can’t run. Was thinking of trying this “hack” but am also concerned about ending up at the ER.
Your thoughts and feedback are appreciated.
I haven’t used superglue for blisters specifically, but use it quite often for dings/reef cuts from surfing or for small, deeper cuts that could probably use a stitch or two. The medical variety is a bit more flexible. No issues with infection, adverse reactions, etc…I imagine it could work pretty well for blisters also?
I used Nu Skin for years BEFORE an Ironman. Race morning, I’d coat all my “hot spots” I normally would get bad blisters or friction damage/holes in the skin. Especially true at Kona. I’d always end up with blisters there. Nu Skin is breathable, flexible & adds a 2nd skin that shields you greatly from issues like mentioned. You can still lube them up after that, but wake up early & put a few (3-4) layers/coats of Nu Skin on those spots before you leave your hotel. Let each layer dry thoroughly. One year flying back from Kona, I sat across from Tim DeBoom & his feet were so torn up–I told him & Nicole about my Nu Skin “pre-race” trick & he said he was going to start using doing it. Not sure if he ever did.
It worked well for me so as with anything, consult your doctors as needed before using any topical treatments for safety and skin reactions if you are sensitive.
I use super glue on cuts regularly (mostly cracks on my hands from getting dry in winter). I’ve never used it on blisters but I rarely get them anymore so have not really had the opportunity. I think if I had a blister on my achilles, I’d use tape or something to wrap/cover it and wear crew length socks to go over the wrap.
I use the regular super glue all the time when I need to keep going (8 years in the Infantry).
If you don’t need to keep going use a sterile syringe needle to drain at multiple points then clean a needle and thread with rubbing alcohol and run a cotton thread through the blister.
This keeps it from sealing up and re-filling. KT tape over the blister helps.
Now feet are like nutrition and very personal so you have to find what works for you. Some people keep their feet moist and supple to prevent blisters. Others prefer dry and hard with good callouses built up to prevent blisters. You have to find what works for you.
I used to use both SuperGlue and NUSkin all the time, especially after a triathlon run with no socks. Both worked really well, didn’t notice a difference between the two.
I’ve moved up to longer running races e.g. 100 milers in the last couple of years and now use Leukotape on all toes and sides of feet (in both running races and longer triathlons) - has worked really well for me, and not needed the SuperGlue.
Blisters, callouses and trying to keep as many toe nails as possible occupy far more of my time than is healthy!
I have used this method in my prior life several times and it works good for athletes too…(assuming you’re willing to take the pain).
Tincture of Benzoin
It’s a medical adhesive that’s also antimicrobal…it has a good dose of alcohol in it. The blister protocol works like this:
If the blister is close:
Take a syringe poke the needle in the blister and draw out the ooze.
Draw up the same amount of Tincture of Benzoin as the amount of ooze you sucked out and shoot the benzoin back into the blistered skin.
Make sure you are in a place that you will not disturbed the neighbors and scream as necessary at the pain that feels like someone set your foot on fire. It will quickly go away.
Squish out the benzoin from the blistered skin by mashing on the blister ( a little more pain). This will also cause the skin to glue together and in about 24 hours it becomes harden.
If the blister is open:
Dab benzoin on open blister
See #4 and scream.
Put a bandage, band-aid, etc. on the open blister. Bandage will stick to the blister and act as the skin did in the closed blister above
It will take longer than 24 hours to harden up but it’s a lot faster than not and proven safer than super glue.
Pop, drain, sports tape over bandaid if you have to run on it. Leave the superglue at the store.
Duct tape; less friction, plus it* looks *badass
Duct tape doesn’t work for me, I think it works for normal people. But I have a genetic soft foot/skin issue and tend to blister very easy. Often times if I’m running high mileage in the summer I’m draining blisters daily.
ETA: The issue has become less prevalent than when I was a kid hobbling around with bloody feet after football practice, in part because there just better shoes today than 20 years ago and in part because I run a lot more so my feet are “tougher”.
