Planning to walk the Camino de Santiago? Blisters are one of the most common complaints among pilgrims — but with the right preparation and know-how, they are largely preventable and always manageable. This guide covers exactly what to do when blisters appear on the trail, so they do not stop you reaching Santiago.
For a full overview of foot care on the Camino, visit our guide on foot care when walking the Camino. To prevent blisters before they start, read our article on avoiding blisters on the Camino de Santiago.
Wear comfortable shoes
Having a good pair of well fitted walking shoes or hiking boots is probably the single most important factor in blister prevention. Brand new boots are a firm no — make sure your footwear is properly broken in before you set off. The less flexibility in the shoe, the more likely blisters are to appear, so choose footwear appropriate to your chosen Camino de Santiago route and the distances involved.
Invest in Merino wool socks
Merino wool socks are a must for any long-distance walk. They wick moisture away from the skin and reduce friction significantly. If you cannot find merino wool, look for socks that absorb sweat and consider layering two thin pairs to minimise friction between your feet and your shoes.
Bring Compeed in your backpack
We recommend that walkers carry some Compeed patches with them in their backpacks. If you don’t have Compeed use a bandage to reduce friction and protect your feet from contact with your walking shoes.
Apply Aloe Vera gel
This gel will help to cool down the soreness and the redness. Aloe Vera is known for it’s disinfectant properties that will help to prevent infection. If you see a blister starting to rise apply the Aloe Vera gel to the blister and the surrounding skin. This should help the blister to heal quicker.
Keep your feet clean
This may seem obvious but when you are out walking on the Camino trails all day it can be difficult to keep your feet well cleaned. Remember to bring a clean pair of socks in your backpack each day. When you stop for a rest along the way take time to give your feet a break. In some small towns along the routes you will find small washing places. Traditionally pilgrims would take some time to wash at the stream at Lavacolla, just outside Santiago. Take advantage of these enjoyable stopping points. There are many along the way. If blisters get infected it can be too painful to continue walking so make sure you clean the blister regularly to avoid infections.
Should You Burst a Blister on the Camino?
Avoid bursting a blister if you can — the skin covering it provides natural protection against infection. If the blister is large, very painful and building up fluid, it may need to be drained. If you do drain it, never use dirty hands or tools. Clean the area thoroughly, use a sterile needle, drain from the edge rather than the top, and keep the skin intact as a protective layer. Cover immediately with a sterile dressing and antiseptic cream.
Keep your feet dry
Keeping your feet as dry as possible is important. The sweat from walking may irritate the feet and moisture makes blisters worse. If you need to rest your feet just take some time out from the walk. If you feel the initial sting don’t ignore it, keep the sore area dry, change your socks and keep your feet as clean as you can at all times.
These are just a few handy tips to follow but I am sure all of the Camino walkers out there have plenty of advice for preventing blisters and looking after your feet on the trail. We would love to hear about any extra advice you may have?
For more Camino travel tips or to book your next Camino de Santiago tour contact one of our travel specialists.
FAQs
Clean the blister with soap and water, cover with a sterile dressing and use a cushioned pad such as Compeed to relieve pressure. If the skin is broken, apply a ring-shaped pad around the blister with a small amount of antiseptic cream in the centre and cover with a dressing. At night, let the blister dry out. Never remove the roof of the blister — it protects the raw skin underneath from infection.
Ideally no — leaving the blister intact protects the skin underneath. However, if the blister is large and very painful, it may need to be drained. If so, use a sterile needle, clean the area thoroughly beforehand, drain from the edge, and keep the skin covering intact. Cover immediately with antiseptic cream and a sterile dressing. Never use dirty hands or unsterilised tools.
Compeed is a hydrocolloid blister plaster that acts as a second skin over a blister or hotspot. It cushions the area, reduces friction and promotes healing — all while allowing you to keep walking. It is one of the most recommended items to carry in your Camino daypack. Apply it at the first sign of rubbing, before a full blister develops, for best results.
Keep blisters clean and covered at all times. Change dressings daily and apply antiseptic cream to any broken skin. Watch for signs of infection — redness spreading beyond the blister, warmth, swelling or pus — and seek medical attention immediately if any of these appear. Every town along the Camino has a pharmacy where you can get advice and supplies.
Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks with seamless construction are the best choice. Avoid cotton entirely — it retains moisture and dramatically increases friction. Carry several pairs and change them during the day whenever your feet feel damp. Some pilgrims wear two thin pairs to reduce sock-on-skin friction — this is particularly effective on longer walking days.
What is the best way to treat a blister on the Camino de Santiago? Clean the blister with soap and water, cover with a sterile dressing and use a cushioned pad such as Compeed to relieve pressure. If the skin is broken, apply a ring-shaped pad around the blister with a small amount of antiseptic cream in the centre and cover with a dressing. At night, let the blister dry out. Never remove the roof of the blister — it protects the raw skin underneath from infection.
Should I pop a blister on the Camino? Ideally no — leaving the blister intact protects the skin underneath. However, if the blister is large and very painful, it may need to be drained. If so, use a sterile needle, clean the area thoroughly beforehand, drain from the edge, and keep the skin covering intact. Cover immediately with antiseptic cream and a sterile dressing. Never use dirty hands or unsterilised tools.
What is Compeed and should I carry it on the Camino? Compeed is a hydrocolloid blister plaster that acts as a second skin over a blister or hotspot. It cushions the area, reduces friction and promotes healing — all while allowing you to keep walking. It is one of the most recommended items to carry in your Camino daypack. Apply it at the first sign of rubbing, before a full blister develops, for best results.
How do I stop blisters from getting infected on the Camino? Keep blisters clean and covered at all times. Change dressings daily and apply antiseptic cream to any broken skin. Watch for signs of infection — redness spreading beyond the blister, warmth, swelling or pus — and seek medical attention immediately if any of these appear. Every town along the Camino has a pharmacy where you can get advice and supplies.
What socks are best for preventing blisters on the Camino? Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks with seamless construction are the best choice. Avoid cotton entirely — it retains moisture and dramatically increases friction. Carry several pairs and change them during the day whenever your feet feel damp. Some pilgrims wear two thin pairs to reduce sock-on-skin friction — this is particularly effective on longer walking days.
In most cases, yes — with proper treatment and padding. Apply Compeed or a cushioned dressing, wear well-fitted socks and footwear, and monitor the blister closely. If the blister is infected or the pain is severe, rest and seek advice from a local pharmacy or medical centre before continuing. Pushing through an infected blister can turn a manageable problem into one that ends your Camino.
Seek medical attention if the blister is showing signs of infection — spreading redness, swelling, warmth or discharge. Also seek help if the pain is so severe it prevents you from walking, or if you have a medical condition such as diabetes that affects wound healing. Pharmacies along the Camino are well stocked and staff are experienced in treating pilgrim foot problems.
The key prevention measures are: well broken-in footwear, moisture-wicking socks changed regularly, feet kept as dry as possible, and immediate attention to any hotspot before it develops into a full blister. For a detailed prevention guide, read our article on avoiding blisters on the Camino de Santiago and our full foot care guide.
