Plasters for blisters and nipple protection

During trail runs and long hikes, your skin and body take quite a beating. Good plasters help reduce friction, prevent or treat blisters, and protect against irritation in sensitive areas.

What are these plasters?

This collection consists of two important categories:

• Blister plasters – specially designed to relieve pressure and friction on your feet and protect existing blisters
• Nipple patches – prevent chafing and irritation from clothing while running

Both types are designed to stay in place well, even in sweat, rain, and prolonged exertion.

When do you use plasters?

Plasters are essential for:

• Long trail runs and ultra trails
• New or not yet broken-in shoes
• Warm conditions (higher risk of blisters)
• Rainy runs (wet feet increase friction)
• Sensitive skin or known problem areas

Nipple patches are especially important for longer runs or if you are prone to chafing from shirts or backpacks.

What do you look for when choosing?

Not every plaster is the same. Please note:

• Attachment
  Must stay in place well during sweat and movement
• Flexibility
  Adapts to your skin and movement
• Thickness and damping
  Blister plasters often provide extra cushioning
• Water resistance
  Important in wet conditions

Different types and variants

• Hydrocolloid blister plasters
  Promote healing and relieve pressure
• Preventive tape/plasters
  Apply in advance to risk areas
• Nipple patches
  Small, lightweight, and specially designed for anti-abrasion protection
• Combination solutions
  Handy for mandatory equipment at races

FAQ

Do you use patches preventively or only when you have symptoms?
Both. Many trail runners apply tape to known problem areas beforehand to prevent blisters.

Do plasters stay on during rain or sweat?
Good sports patches, though – they are specially developed for prolonged exertion.

Are nipple patches really necessary?
Especially during longer runs. They prevent painful irritation and even bleeding caused by friction.