Hydrocolloid Bandages (blister care) [4.5 stars]

I am an avid hiker and trail runner... Recently switched to a new pair of shoes - developed a large blister on my left heel. I tried all the home remedies for "quick blister recovery" (puncturing, draining, neosporin wrapping, etc) and NONE worked; the blister did not go away and pain continued when running or hiking.

I know, the best home remedy: do not use my foot for 7-10 days and it will heal naturally. Well, the rest of my body and my 2 Siberian Husky hiking/running pals did not agree with this remedy. "No pain, no gain," they said; suck it up and hit the trails ;-)

My solution: hydrocolloid patches/bandages for my blister area. I used the Walgreens version, but this review applies to hydrocolloid patches/bandages in general:

The pros:

1. I am running & hiking without pain - these patches are magic!

The cons (why a 4.5 instead of a 5 rating):

1. The patches claim to be "super adhesive" such that you can wear a patch for a week even with daily exercise and showering. The truth: I had to use ace bandaging to keep the patches on for a week (they tend to lose the adhesive power after one day).
2. The patches claim to be "super healing". Well, 10 days in and my blister was still alive & well - something I needed to keep patched whenever exercising.

Summary: hydrocolloid patches will enable you to continue an active lifestyle through any blister situation but you will need to tape them on and only time will heal - just keep it patched and wait.