Taping before sport: prevention beats treatment
If you know where you blister, tape it before you start. It costs two minutes.
Most people tape after a blister forms. Taping the spot you always blister, before you start, is far more effective.
Where to tape
Heels, the ball of the foot, the side of the big toe, the back of the ankle, and on the hands, the base of the fingers. If you have blistered somewhere twice, that is a taping site.
How
- Skin must be clean, dry and free of moisturiser.
- Apply a smooth strip with no wrinkles — a crease under tape creates a new pressure point.
- Round the corners of the tape so they do not catch and peel.
- Extend well beyond the hotspot onto stable skin.
Do not tape over broken skin
Rigid tape belongs on intact skin. If the skin is already broken, cover with a dressing first and tape over that.
Removal
Peel slowly, low and along the hair growth. If it resists, wet it. Ripping tape off feet you are about to run on again is a false economy.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.