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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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* You can tape a blister with or without popping it. Popping a blister is a bad idea, but sometimes it's necessary if the blister will spread.
* Taping should be a last resort; try to fix the underlying problem first.
=How taping helps=
Taping can help in several different ways:
# Taping can act as another layer, so that your socks move against the tape, not against your skin. This can reduce the friction on your skin, but the sheering forces remain. A tape with a smooth texture is best for this.
# Taping can spread the sheering forces, so that instead of being concentrated in one spot, like the ball of your foot, it is spread over a wider area. You need an inflexible tape for this, and sometimes a little tension when applying the tape.
# A variation of #2 above is to use the tape to stabilize a punctured or open blister. Even slight movement of the detached skin over the underlying flesh can be painful, and a layer of tape and help prevent this.
# It is possible to change the shape of your foot slightly by applying the tape with some tension. I normally only do this when taping blistered toes. This requires an inflexible tape and just the right amount of tension; too much will cause more problems.
# Tape can be used to prevent dirt entering a punctured or open blister, which may limit infection. Use a little antiseptic ointment on the opening and cover with tape.
# While taping can provide some padding, the tape is normally too thin to have much benefit. Building up multiple layers does not provide much more padding, and can increase pressure locally.
=Tapes=
I've used various tapes on myself and other runners, as well as conducting some specific comparison tests. I've applied multiple tapes on dry skin, wet skin and wet skin with adhesive promoter and left them in place until they fall off to see how they hold up. The wet skin tests had semi-macerated skin, where I'd kept the skin wet for several hours to mimic race conditions. * '''Leukotape P'''. This is the only tape I've found that sticks to skin that is already wet without an adhesive promoter. If you only have one tape, this should probably be it. [http://www.zombierunneramazon.com/store/categories/foot_careBSN-Medical-Leukotape-Sports-Tape/tapesdp/product967.html B000H94TAQ Leukotape P at Zombie RunnerAmazon.com].
* '''Hypafix'''. I have not used Hypafix extensively, but I've been impressed with its characteristics. It's inflexible, thin, soft and the edges don't fray too badly. [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product968.html Hypafix at Zombie Runner].
* '''Kinesio-Tex'''. This is a soft tape that stretches in one direction. I find that it does not stick well without an adhesive promoter, though rubbing the tape to warm it before applying will help it stick a little better. I also find the edges tend to fray, so I will often use some Micropore to stick the edges down. I find this is a good tape for between toes, where its softness is important.
* '''Micropore'''. This was my default tape before I discovered [http://www.amazon.com/BSN-Medical-Leukotape-Sports-Tape/dp/B000H94TAQ Leukotape P], partly because I have been using Micropore from my earliest memories due to my skin condition. Micropore is very thin, smooth and inflexible, but not very sticky, so you should use it with an adhesive promoter. It will stick to dry skin and adhere well if given time, but that is only viable for pre-taping. It's thinness means it doesn't add much bulk nor does it fray, but it can peel up at the edges sometimes. [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product6.html Micropore at Zombie Runner]
* '''Elastikon'''. This tape is thicker than any of the others, slightly rough, but flexible and porous. I rarely use it, but it's worth considering if you need a flexible tape. [http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/foot_care/tapes/product1.html Elastikon at Zombie Runner].
* '''Duct Tape.''' I strongly recommend against using duct tape, as it is not breathable, so the skin tends to become saturated underneath. Duct Tape also tends to wrinkle, creating creases that cause further problems. Like many other tapes, you need to use it with an adhesive promoter to get it to stick effectively. Watch the edges, as they tend to catch and then the tape then rolls up. I have used Micropore on the edges, with some success. If you really want to use Duct Tape, look for the Gorilla Tape brand, as the adhesive is better than most.
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=Blister Supplies=
<gallery widths=300px heights=200px caption="Blister Treatment Supplies">
File:IMG 0097.JPG|Leukotape P, showing the slightly course texture
File:IMG 0186.JPG|Another close up, with a coin to give scale.
File:IMG 0103.JPG|If you’re working on other runner’s feet during a race, you need to keep track of time.
File:IMG 0192.JPG|If you're fixing runner's feet at a race, then somewhere comfortable for them and you is important. This 'zero gravity' reclining chair allows them to relax without [[Stretching|stretching]] their hamstrings or stressing their hip flexors. It raises their feet enough to let you work on them, though the stool that's shown is useful as you still need to be quite low. Notice the foam sleep mat, which will help keep the runner from getting too cold.
File:Petzl MYO XP Full.jpg|A good [[Running Lights|light]] can be vital in poor lighting conditions.
</gallery>
