Reddit mentions: The best first aid bandaging pads

Holy shit those boots look crazy (and awesome!). I agree with your sentiments about waterproofness in the PNW. I would also go with a waterproof shoe if I lived in an area with a lot of precipitation like that.

I had problems with blisters on my heels too and started lacing my shoes differently and it seemed to help. Here's a video that demonstrates how to do the lacing on boots to hold the heel down a little bit better (it's a little bit different on trail runners/low cut hiking shoes, but pretty similar). Also make sure that your laces don't come undone or loosen throughout the day. You can do this by tying a different type of knot when you are done lacing your boot. I use this knot with all of my shoes and since I've started using it I've never had my shoe laces loosen or come undone throughout the day. It's kind of weird to do at first, but really easy once you get the hang of it.

The other thing that has really helped me is preemptively taping my foot in spots where I know I'm prone to get blisters. For this I use Leukotape which I've found is superior to duct tape as it's stickier and breathable so you can leave it on for a few days at a time (even if it gets wet). It's best to put the tape on the night before you start hiking (or if you're replacing it in the middle of the hike just do it before you go to bed) so that the adhesive adheres to the foot better which will just make it actually stick to your foot longer without having to replace it.

If I do end up getting a blister, I drain it (poke a hole in it with a needle or safety pin or even your knife as long as it's clean) and leave the skin intact and then put a hydrocolloid bandage over it to protect the area from infection and also provide some padding. Hydrocolloid bandages stick pretty well, but just to make sure it stays in place I put some leukotape over it. Both can be left in place for several days at a time. Hydrocolloid bandages are AWESOME and you can actually use them on regular wounds as well as long as they are not super oozing with blood or anything. I get pack of large pads from amazon which can be cut down to size. Here are some links: hydrocolloid bandages and leukotape.

Someone else mentioned Bodyglide and Hydropel. I've found these products to be useful, but only if you get blisters between the toes. If you get blisters on the heels or sides of your feet it doesn't seem to be as effective because it just soaks into the socks. One thing you could try instead that might help is a really thin sock liner made of coolmax fabric or something similar that will wick your foot sweat away from your foot. If your feet aren't sweaty then that's probably not an issue and I wouldn't recommend liner socks because they can make your feet hotter.

This post was way longer than I thought it would be. I had a lot of blisters the first few years I was backpacking, but now I'm (relatively) blister free. Like I said before this is what works for me but it's not for everybody! Good luck!

P.S. Your pictures were awesome and I am super jealous. I have been wanting to go to ONP for a while now. Thank you for sharing!

What are you currently doing for your skin? Tell me about your showering routine, especially.

Here are a few things that might help you feel better/look better:

1. Try to take cooler showers. If this means changing your typical water temp from hot to warm, it will definitely help. I'm not advocating ice cold showers, but cooler is definitely better for your skin. Especially during the winter months.
   
   
2. Use a mild soap/body wash. You may be doing this already, but it's a good place to start. Something that isn't loaded with fragrance is really helpful. Using really harsh body wash can really strip your skin and make it irritated.
   
   
3. Exfoliate once or twice a week. This will really help with any bumps and discoloration you may have. I personally use a salux towel loaded with a moisturizing, fragrance free body wash once or twice a week. This towel in particular is great at getting areas like your back and posterior that are hard to get thoroughly.
   
   You could also try chemical exfoliation on any breakouts or scarring you might have. Stridex in the red box is great for treating active breakouts (pimples, whiteheads, whatnot). For scarring or pigmentation, something with an AHA in it (Lactic or Glycolic Acid, for example) will really help. AmLactin is really excellent for this. When using an AHA, however, please apply sunscreen to any areas that your clothing doesn't cover during the day. It has been known to sensitize you to UV light.
   
   
4. Moisturize immediately after a shower. I don't know what your skin is like, or how much moisture it might need, but this step is really helpful with keeping your skin healthy and healthy looking. It heals faster when it retains moisture, and the texture will also improve. This could be applying baby oil while you're still damp in the shower, and then toweling off. It could involve a nourishing body butter (try to avoid too much fragrance though) after you've dried off. It could even include using a really thin, light moisturizer all over after you've dried off, if that's all you need.
   
   With all new products, try to buy the smallest size you can and introduce things one at a time. This will keep you from wasting too much money on products you don't like, and will alert you to any allergies or sensitivities when you introduce a new product.
   
   Sorry this is so incredibly long. Let me know what you think, and if you have any questions!

I'm with you on the bandaid adhesive allergy. And yes I can use tegaderm I've actually been using it on the same two areas 24x7 for over a month now after HS surgery on my groin and thigh. It is very expensinve, however I found that you can save a lot of money buy purchasing it in 100 packs from Amazon.com. It's normally about $1 US per sheet at the store in a box of 10 but on that link it's almost 1/4th the price! I actually got Amazon Prime just for this 3 years ago after my first HS surgery and it's paid for itself. They sell larger sized sheets but you can just use multiple ones of these instead and it's more cost effective. Hope this helps you and anyone else save some money!

[Edit] I just wanted to say to anyone else I really love tegaderm this stuff is awesome it's a little tricky to use at first (kind of like how saran wrap is tricky, but not that bad) but it's definitely some awesome stuff and a lifesaver to people like me and IdahoLynxx. I really wish I could tell the world about this stuff. If I put a bandaid or tape on sensitive area of skin I will get a poison ivy like rash and have had the skin rip off when taking off the bandaid but not with tegaderm.

I like these wet wipes a lot. They get very high marks for biodegrading/composting quickly and they're actually flushable unlike many brands of wipes.

I wouldn't overthink your first aid kit too much. Bring along some cloth medical tape, a bandanna, and some NSAIDs and you'll have enough of a kit to deal with injuries at least until you can get real medical help. If you are blister-prone one or two pieces of this paper will be plenty for your trip.

I'm not sure on the legality of this in the UK but I would also consider a small folding knife a good addition to your first aid kit.

I like to bring along a pair of sandals or something similar for camp shoes. It REALLY hurts wearing the same shoes all day.

You might also want to buy a small hand torch if you plan to make camp after dark. This is the one I just picked up.

A food bag like this would be good for snacks - I would just stuff it in the webbing above your seat pack.

Sorry for all the amazon links. Your setup looks great. Beautiful bike!

Late to the party but I wanted to chime in cause I'm on the second month of my second round of Accutane, currently at 60mg.

Basically your skin profile will change to sensitive, dry and dehydrated and you have to treat it as such, which means a lot of pampering for the next couple of months. I took the general advice of nothing but CeraVe and Aquaphor for my first course and I think I did more damage that way. I switched over to r/AsianBeauty afterwards trying to fix the leftover scars and because of all I've learned over there, my second round is going quite smoothly.

Here's what I do:

• Rub a 1:4 mix of castor oil & mineral oil all over my face to dislodge all sunscreen and dirt. Mineral oil is just baby oil with no fragrance, which can be irritating (thought you might want to consider baby oil for the rest of your body cause it'll dry out too).
  
  
• Wash off all oil with a low-pH foaming cleanser
  
  
• Apply a hydrating toner. This one has hyaluronic acid in it which attracts moisture to your skin and helps other lotions/creams sink in.
  
  
• Apply Shark Sauce. It has 5% niacinamide which helps fade dark spots and even out your skin tone. It's made by a redditor from the Asian Beauty sub and it works so well and was so popular she ended up quitting her job to make it full time. I can honestly say that it's a godsend when you have the initial breakout because any remaining scars will fade very quickly. It was agonizing to deal with those the first time around.
  
  
• Apply Rosette Aqua Ceramide Gel to heal and protect your skin barrier.
  
  
• Apply Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream
  
  
• Apply sunscreen. This one has a little alcohol in it which dries your skin out but my other products work so well, I don't feel a difference.
  
  I only do the oil & foam cleanse at night, usually just water in the morning. With this routine I've actually been able to use a couple actives with no problems, mainly Stridex in the red box every other day at the beginning to calm my initial breakout.Another trick I use is I apply a thin layer of Prosacea to affected areas. You can get these two at a CVS or Walgreens. Also, I'm a picker and I found that if I pick and pop something, this routine plus a hydrocolloid bandage on top works miracles: the zit heals faster than it should on Accutane and the mark it leaves behind is gone/significantly faded within two weeks.
  
  Results: Two months into accutane and my skin shows no signs of dryness. It stays hydrated all day so all I have to worry about is my chapped lips. My scars are fading at a phenomenal rate and I even glow a little from all the moisture. You may find it daunting at first, so maybe start out with the foam cleanser, the toner, the ceramide gel and the sunscreen. I'd also suggest going over to r/AsianBeauty and doing a search for dry, sensitive skin if you want more options.
  
  I hope this helps and good luck! You'll look and feel amazing afterwards.
  
  Edit: Supplements! I take fish oil, evening primrose oil and vitamin D.

I'm two weeks post-op.

People here all have fantastic suggestions so far!
I used:

1. Fruit of the Loom bras from Wal-Mart, look like this. They were cheaper at the store vs. Amazon. I specifically like this bra because it's shaped like a tank top -- not a racerback, which means I can wear more clothes with it without straps showing.
   
2. Curad Non-Stick pads that look like this. That's what my doctor shoved in my post-op bra, so I just got more of them. Now I don't need them anymore. I didn't even finish the one box of 12.
   
3. Husband installed this bidet for me. The dignity of cleaning my own butt after such a challenging surgery was nice.
   
4. Someone else said heating pad -- yep.
   
5. Consider pre-making some food -- something really healthy and easy to eat. I made a diet soup that is meant for a cleanse because it had a ton of fiber (cabbage, lots of other veg) and was easy to heat a little at a time. I can provide the recipe link if you want it. I also took psyllium fiber tablets every day and drank dark coffee each morning, while drinking as much water as I could. And I lost some extra weight with the soup, too. For breakfast, I only ate oatmeal with cinnamon and bananas since that's so easy to digest. I had no problems, uh, getting the job done with all that fiber.
   
6. We installed a handheld shower head. I had my husband around to help me bathe, and it made things easier for both of us. I sat in a shallow bath and he helped me clean with the shower head. In the shallow bath, I used some scented epsom salts to help me relax. The first couple of baths were uncomfortable and awkward and it helped.
   
7. Tylenol. I weaned myself off the drugs after 3-4 days. In the morning, I took half the dose of Tylenol (which is every 3 hours vs. 6) to see how my pain was, then I'd either take another one on time, wait a while, or take half a pain pill. I did this until I was using only Tylenol and eventually nothing or only one dose a day of it.

I second this. Even the cheapest patches get really costly pretty fast if you're using them frequently. Cutting up larger bandages is definitely the way to go. I thought bandaid brand worked really well, but the adhesive was a bit too strong for my face. I always felt like it took off some skin (this was pre-tret). (They were perfect when I got a deep gash on my hand though. That thing stayed put through handwashing, showers, taking gloves on & off, etc., & completely sealed the wound.)

Duoderm is the classic medical brand for real (non-acne) wounds. I used to buy these on amazon & cut them up and they worked well. If you're going to use enough to make it through a whole box, these come out cheaper than the bandaid bandages even though they're on the high end for large medical grade hydrocolloids. There's 10 4x4 inch bandages per box for ~$20.

Dynadex is a good dupe for Duoderm. I switched to these b/c they're half the price and work just as well. ~$10 for ten 4x4 in. bandages.

So I had quite a few problems with patches (they were still far superior to gel for me ... don't get me started about gel), BUT getting some sort of transparent dressing to put over the top solved all of them.... I use these (https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Tegaderm-Pack-100-Pieces/dp/B000O5YRPU). Makes the whole process much easier. I'd advise either shaving the part you are putting the patch on OR finding a part of your body free of hair (I use my hip and alternate sides)... Anyways best of luck!

I'm going to start with things to use down there afterwards: FridaBaby makes a peri bottle that seems like it is easier to hold, so I'd recommend one of those. stool softeners. I also bought a TON of witch hazel pads and I kept them in the fridge. I used them at the hospital and then I bought some from amazon to use when I got home. (link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TM10YE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&th=1 ) Also, I'd recommend grabbing what you can from the hospital like mesh underwear, huge pads, etc. The padsicles are great. Before you leave the hospital, I'd ask a nurse to show you how to make them.

Hospital bag: chargers, snacks (for your support person as they do not get fed), loose pjs, clothes for if people visit (I wore loose dresses that were nursing friendly... look into that if you do that), some stuff for showers if that interests you, and a going home outfit (in newborn and 0-3 size!) Congratulations on your baby :)

Get some nexcare Tegaderm transparent bandage dressings. The edges peel up but they don’t leave lint rings like the patches. They stay on and so do the patches under them. On amazon they’re pretty cheap. Good for 5 days or so depending on how you rotate your patches. I’d recommend one patch one tegaderm. I love them cause I have dry skin and my patches fall off in a day otherwise

Tape your feet. Everywhere you get hot spots or typically get blisters. If you blister like me you may look like you are wearing a tape sock LOL.



Also like every one said, the two sock system. Someone recommended trying a nylon (panty hose) along with the black liner or instead of. I haven’t tried that trick yet



For after, definitely only cover the blisters if you are in shoes. If you can walk around barefoot or in flip flops that’s perfect. Good padding if you need to see shoes or boots. Also don’t wear the same boots or shoes that caused the blisters the next day. Lastly soak freshly blister feet in Epsom salts to disinfect and clean them. It may burn but it’s a good burn.



My newest obsession is Allevyn padded dressings. I bought them off amazon after seeing them at a paramedic conference. Amazing comfort for walking around after. allevyn bandages on Amazon

This will not work for you scalp, but for all of the other places, I really recommend hydrocolloid bandages. You can cut them to the size of the open wound/scab, sanitize/wash the area, and it will provide a healthy environment for it to heal. You can leave them on while showering and for three days, probably enough time to make a smooth mark instead of a scab. The bandage is strong and if you rub your finger against it, it is smooth to the touch. It will remind you not to pick the scab (it would take more effort to remove the bandage to pick, giving you enough time to think through the consequences of picking.)

I use these on my face while I'm at home, and yes, I've become a bit reliant on them, but they are saving my skin. I can't recommend them enough. The brand I use are these, and again, I just cut them to fit over the spot I want to cover. I've heard good things about other brands too. https://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Tough-Pads-4-Count-2-8/dp/B000VE8E0I

No worries, I'm happy to answer any questions. The adhesive that the sensor comes with is ok, but it doesn't even last a full week for most people. I like to secure it with Opsite Flexifix. I'm still on the first roll I purchased back in 2015, make sure to get the one that is 4" across. I cut out a patch like this, except I use a tag punch to cut out the center hole (I got mine on ebay for $9). I also use [Patch Peelz] (https://pumppeelz.com/collections/patch-peelz) sometimes. Some people use GrifGrips or Rocktape. Lots of people swim and do all sorts of sports/ physical activity and the extra adhesive helps keep the Dexcom secure. I've heard of people who wear it on their arm using an additional arm band over the sensor/transmitter when playing contact sports to ensure it doesn't get knocked off.

Hi! For what it is worth, recent research shows that standard horizontal incisions actually fare better for women of size. I am fat AF, have had 2 c-sections, and am a research scientist for my profession. Back in the day they would use the vertical incisions for women with larger bellies with the theory that the healing would be easier. Turns out, this was not the case. This site does an amazing job of summing up the clinical findings:
https://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com/search/label/cesarean%20incision?m=0

A personal tip from me would be to use a tefla pad instead of a menstrual pad for keeping your wound dry. The maxi pads work amazing for women who do not have any belly overhang bc the sticky side will sit right up against fabric. If you are anything like me and have some hardcore belly action, these pads with no adhesive fold right on in like a dream:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003XCTDYG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

You’ve got this!

Ok, so first off, stop digging at your feet with an exact-o knife. That's like using a chainsaw to cut drywall.

If you need to physically remove calluses and dead skin, get the right tool for the job: a pumice stone and/or callus rasp/callus shaver. Use these carefully, especially around areas where you've got cuts.

To help the dry parts of your feet heal, moisturize! Silicone/gel socks feel weird (it's like walking on rubber duckies) and make my feet sweaty, but they've done more to soften gnarly calluses than anything else I've ever tried, especially when used regularly and for several hours at a time. (If you aren't afraid of girly colors, there are plenty of other/cheaper options for these on Amazon.) When you aren't wearing the socks, use a lotion or cream like Working Feet or Cerave Foot Cream. Also, ALWAYS wear socks (just like normal cotton socks) when you aren't wearing the silicon socks.

You can also do a foot soak, either with just water, or water plus some bath salts or foot soak stuff. Silicon scar sheets or hydrocolloid bandages might also help with some of the deeper/open cuts you have.

Combine those for several weeks, probably in the order of foot soak, callus shave, moisturize + socks, then more moisturizer after removing, and I'd think you'd see a lot of improvement.

The babyfoot thing is also a good idea for you, but I wouldn't recommend using that until all of your cuts/open wounds have healed. I think the peels are basically acid, and that's probably very painful if you use it on open cuts.

If all of that fails, go see a doctor or podiatrist. Your feet are super important, and if the above interventions aren't helping, I think that's a strong sign your feet need some professional help to get them healed up.

>Is it difficult to insert at first?

Depends on where you insert it, but no. I have found that if you go slow it hurts. Get the adhesive in the right place, pinch some skin around it AND GO! Dont be apprehensive.

>How long do you keep a sensor on?

I go 2 weeks per sensor without any difficulties. Could probably go a few more days. Buy yourself some adhesive and use it about a week into a sensor.

>How long does the transmitter last?

The battery will die right around 3 months.

>Any complaints with using the G5 + iPhone app?

I exclusively use the iPhone app and love it. My actual dexcom receiver is plugged in on my night stand as a backup alarm in case I go low while sleeping.

>I'm very lean, will inserting the sensor be especially difficult because of this?

I insert my sensor in the back of my arm all the time. It may be tender/sore for a day or so but that eventually goes away and all is well.

>In general, how accurate can I expect the CGM to be?

Close enough! You will almost NEVER see it right on. Mine is off anywhere from 5-30 points at any given time but thats okay.

Other than insulin (duh) the Dexcom has been the best thing thats happened for my diabetes care. If you use it correctly it will change your control and you will see better A1C results. Use it for trends. Has your glucose been going up for the last 2 hours? Test and bolus. Has it been going down for the last 2 hours? Test and eat. Its not meant to replace finger pricking, just to help you monitor trends and correct based off of that info. I've talked to people who think the point of one is so they dont have to manually test themselves anymore. If you go into it thinking that, you are going to use it correctly. Use it to monitor yourself and supplement for manual testing. Im 34 and use the Dexcom Share app as well. I think its mainly used for parents that have a child who is diabetic. I gave my wife access to my readings. She installed the app on her phone and can check it just like I can. I also set her phone up with a low alert so if I go below 50 mg/dl she gets an alert. That way if we arent together she can call to make sure Im okay or alert someone who is near me that I might be in trouble.

Also, thank you!

Here's what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055AGR7U/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_9WkEBb0ME56SP

They used to cost me so much more!

Good luck. Let me know how it goes!💋❤

I go 2 weeks with each one. Sure they say only go a week but they seem to work for 2 weeks pretty well. I know some people in this sub go quite a bit longer than that. After about 7-8 days the adhesive starts to come up a little bit. I cut a piece of this with a hole in the middle for the transmitter to fit through and stick it right over the current adhesive. Works like a charm!

idk why you were downvoted but that's pretty much my suspicion. It's looking like Saniderm in the largest size they have might be the best bang for your buck but if you aren't constantly getting giant pieces and it's for personal use and you're not a tattoo artist this would be best https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015TI2ZA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AGBSKTQNEDHK7&psc=1. I think I read in some blog somewhere that Secondskin isn't as sticky as the other ones? I'm not sure that's true though.

You absolutely want some medical tape to keep it on. I get about 12-14 days out of each sensor easily if I put Op-site flexifix found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015TI2ZA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1493006572&sr=8-2&keywords=opsite+flexifix

To cut it I use the full width(20 squares) by 14 squares length. Then cut in the middle an 8x5 hole and then round the outer edges. Put it on over the white tape that comes on the sensor. This stuff works wonders and it lasts the full two weeks. I've also seen people putting it on first and the sensor afterwards through a little hole they cut in it but I haven't tried that yet since my way works fine for me.


Also, you don't want to calibrate too often. It'll throw it off if you do it more than 3 times a day, apparently. I'm not sure how true that is.

In the first 12-24 hours you'll have some funny looking trends. They're generally right but usually a bit more "skippy" or "jumpy" because it just takes some time to get it calibrated and going. It's still pretty accurate even at the beginning for me, though.

Finally, call customer support for any questions or problems. They are actually very helpful and will replace sensors if one goes bad or something.

Good luck with it! My dexcom got me down to the 6s for the first time in 9 years!

Go get an occlusive dressing and put it on. First, it promotes healing, second it makes it so it doesn't harden up and hurt when you sleep and when it bends. If you go to your local pharmacy, they'll have Tegaderm , that can be a bit pricey but worth it for the lack of pain.

I bought Flexifix from Amazon, and it's amazing. Inexpensive and gets used for a lot of cuts/abrasions around the house.

General advice for these:

• Yes, they are way different than what you're used to, that's ok.
  
• No, your wounds don't "need air" to heal.
  
• For large ones (like those) having a pad inside (you can make your own by putting gauze in there or just buy the Tegaderm with them) it will help to absorb the fluid
  
• You only need to change them when the start to fall off
  
• Use it for one more time than you think you need to. I always think it's fully healed a few days before it is.
  
  Good luck.

I'm afraid I'm not much help with the bleed problem. Have you tried wearing the sensor in an alternate site from the abdomen? There is a lot of movement in the torso area even with out a good jog. I like to wear mine in the back of my arm, I find that it sticks on longer and is more accurate there.

I like to use Skin Tac to get it to stick after the edges start rolling up. I know as far as tape goes there is a kind that's very popular around here, I can't recall the name but I'm sure someone will comment with it :)

Edit: The tape a lot of people seem to like is OpSite Flexifix. I've never tried it since I prefer as little space on my skin covered as possible, but different things work for different people!

Honestly? My advice is to get saniderm/tatuderm/tegaderm. It's a transparent waterproof dressing. You just slap it on and let it heal. It heals much better, and you don't have to wash and goop it all the time. You can buy it for yourself. My last artist didn't use it, so I just got some myself and applied it when I got home.

Here is the one I got off amazon, but they all have it in Walgreens. It is used for non-tattoo wounds/scrapes.

If you are gonna do it though, make sure you watch some application instructions.

If you don't want to do this, instructions are:

1. Wash with gentle soap 2-3 times a day. Dr. Bronner's is great.
   
   
2. Let air dry. DO NOT DRY WITH A TOWEL. The fibers can be irritating and carry bacteria.
   
   
3. When it is COMPLETELY dry, apply a thin layer of Aquaphor. Do NOT use neosporin.
   
   
4. Do this in the morning, when you get home from school/work, and before you go to bed. Try not to rub your tattoo on anything, and let it breathe.
   
   Talk to your artist too.

This is the tape that I use which is great, comfortable, and lasts all day. I've also had some success with swimming as well.

Honey helps to heal wounds. Works best if you totally immerse the wound in honey, seal it in with an air-and-watertight dressing, and leave it there:

>Selected honey should be used in sufficient quantities so
that it remains there if diluted with wound exudates. It
should cover and extend beyond the wound margins.
Better results occur when applied on dressing than on
wound. All the cavities should be adequately filled with
honey and occlusive dressing applied to prevent oozing
from the wound...

That's pretty weird.

These are awesome: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015TG6MQ?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

They work well and stick really well. In fact a couple times I forgot I had one on and washed my face and it didn't come off. They're pretty large, you get multiple sheets, and they are easy to cut into small squares.

I had this REALLY bad issue with dexcom. Literally same thing it was really red/itchy and then it would scab and take forever to heal. I had to give my stomach a break for a bit and started looking at other sites for my sensor (back of arms for dex, love handles and thigh for infusion sets). These are kind of expensive but I put this between my skin and the sensor and haven't had one problem since. http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Tough-Pads-4-Count-2-8/dp/B000VE8E0I/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_text_y

Try those out and see if they help, they saved my dexcom relationship!

These:


Birchwood Laboratories A-E-R Pre-Moistened Witch Hazel Pads, 80 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TM10YE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_32wMDbNA60N9G

The hospital should give you a tub but you’ll want more.

This is a just personal favorite of mine:


Herbal Perineal Spray by Earth Mama | Safe for Pregnancy and Postpartum, Natural Cooling Spray for After Birth, Benzocaine and Butane-Free 4-Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0065ZTKWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C4wMDbSDKTWGS

Used for all 3 pregnancies.

(Nurse here) The steroid cream will just reduce inflammation, thus it makes sense that the 'rash' returns often (if there is nothing to cure, it's just a skin abrasion) . Once your shoes are fully broken in, this shouldn't be a problem, but that can take a lot of time. In the mean time, a Tegaderm dressing over the problem area should help as this dressing acts like a second skin so it will take the front of shoe attack without affecting the tightness or function of the shoes (note: I don't work for Tegaderm, but have many friends that have sung the praise of Tegaderm for problem shoes (high heels, etc..) and have been impressed how well the dressing holds on patients). Link for Tegaderm: http://www.amazon.com/Tegaderm-Transparent-Dressing-Picture-Package/dp/B0009Q2OMW/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1453813981&sr=1-2&keywords=tegaderm

Thanks for the suggestions :) I'll drop by a few of the stores around me that carry Asian skincare items because I know I've seen that Softymo one around. I wear a good amount of makeup every day.

I have used the Nexcare bandages before and they worked amazingly! It was so expensive for just a few bandages though, so I decided to try this brand of hydrocolloid bandages from Amazon. Hopefully they work just as well, because with the amount of acne I have it's not affordable for me to use the Nexcare brand ones! I'm so terrible about picking; everyone in my family are pickers, actually! My aunt even asks to pop my pimples and squeeze my sebaceous filaments whenever she notices them :( She refuses to listen to any skincare advice not off Pinterest though, ugh.

I've been thinking of trying Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I just haven't pulled the trigger on purchasing it yet.

I swear by the Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Tough Pads; they're the only ones that have been strong enough for me to use through the night and stay on during my morning workouts (yes, I go to the gym with them on - or put on a new one - to protect them from gym sweat/more bacteria).

Sometimes I'll lance and it forms a larger whitehead the next day. I think that means it's just bringing everything to the surface, and I need to clean the wound/change the bandage and leave it on a bit longer. I wear them throughout the day when I can. It might take a few days to actually deflate.

Make sure to change pillowcases each night, too!

I used these and loved them! They are what we use where I work to cover the insertion site for an IV. This size was just perfect!

3m Tegaderm Transparent Film Dressing 2.375" x 2.75"/Picture Frame Style/Package of 20 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009Q2OMW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_9ciLBbDG137VB

I don't think drying lotions behave all that similarly to acne patches - a drying lotion will mostly just dry out the surface of a pimple, whereas an acne patch absorbs the pus while maintaining a moist environment, which helps promote healing.

Have you considered switching to large hydrocolloid bandages like this? You can cut small patches out of the large squares. I think they're a bit more cost effective than acne patches, if less convenient.

Sure thing:

Tegaderm roll

Duoderm hydrocolloid dressings

I think the tegaderm comes in narrower rolls that might be more appropriate for hands/fingers; I do a fair amount of yard work / gardening that results in lots of scratches on my arms/legs so I find it useful to buy the wider rolls to cover that kind of stuff as well.

Blister bandages(hydrocolloids) or other acne patches (there are 2 kinds, tiny hydrocolloids, and little patches with acne medication on them) really help me with not picking. I use sterile lancets to gently poke a small hole in any whiteheads that I have, then I put the hydrocolloids on them and leave it on overnight or longer if I can. The hydrocolloids draw out and absorb fluid, so normally by morning they've absorbed most or all of what was in there.


For acne that isn't a whitehead I tend to use the other kind of acne patch to help keep from messing with it, the medicated acne patches are not good for absorbing fluid from whiteheads though. Also links are just for examples so you know what I'm talking about, I'm not recommending any specific product.

This is what I used: http://www.amazon.com/Tegaderm-Transparent-Dressing-2-375-Picture/dp/B0009Q2OMW/

The clear Nexcare waterproof bandaids are really good too. I used them when I had a mole removed and would highly recommend them if you want something with the dressing built in already (they make larger sizes that should cover the whole belly button area).

You could maybe try a non stick dressing like a telfa cut to size, taped on with medical tape or a tegaderm and maybe wrap some gauze wrap around it and secure with more tape. Or even keep using the bandaids, throw a tegaderm on top of them and wrap a thin layer of the gauze around them to help keep them on.

Foot dressings are tough, especially on someone who needs to actually walk around on the affected foot. It's been a little while since I have dealt with dressings that aren't for c-section incisions, and I am not an expert on warts, so some other nurses might have some better ideas.

I recommend getting Tegaderm They are great it's a flexible water proof dressing. I have used them over stitches and in places that band-aids will not stick to such as around joints or any place that stretches.

Here is my TransProTip: topical anesthetic + dressing

It works incredibly well for blood work, estradiol valerate injections, electrolysis (though you're going to need to use cellophane or a giant dressing), tattoos and piercings.

The dressing acts like a second skin to keep the cream from evaporating and folds very well so the inside of your elbow is just fine.

I put on the sides of my stomach (think love handle area) and put Mastisol (like SkinTac) on first, then the sensor and then layer over it with Tegaderm (I bought a roll of 11 yards) it keeps it secure for two weeks and I work out and sweat every day

I usually just grab them at the store, but ordering stuff is fun, isn’t it?
Here you go. It’s just Amazon, but I bet that’s a decent price.

It's usually gonna bleed a lot. And then it burns and feels like electric shocks are going through it whenever you touch it for the next couple of weeks. Then it is usually fine. It may tear a few times in the next little while even if you are careful due to nocturnal erections (which you can't really control). I didn't even go to a doctor. I just peeled back the foreskin and put a piece of tefla around the entire glans held in place by tape until it healed. The only complications that I can see happening is it healing back even shorter, giving you a short frenulum, chordee type effect with each erection. If that happens, sometimes you can stretch it back out yourself over time, or you may end up needing a frenulectomy or frenuloplasty. I'd hate to have to do that because that delta of nerves along the underside of the glans is extremely nerve rich. But even if you have to do a frenulectomy, do not let them circumcise you. They will absolutely want to, usually if you are American. American doctors hate to pass up an opportunity to lop off a foreskin. Go for the frenulectomy without the circumcision. It absolutely is an option. If your doctor refuses to do that, shop around and find another doctor.

Are the bumps itchy? If so I would not try to exfoliate it as could irritate it more especially if there is skin breakage. I usually use oils (Jojoba, avocado, evening primrose) to help my skin get back to normal in addition to hydrocortisone cream and spraying Flonase in the area. The only time I add exfoliation (AHA) is after the skin has healed over (not scabbed) so that it can help aid skin turnover.

Lately my skin has also been breaking due do getting an allergic reaction from Opsite; I started getting reactions from the Dexcom adhesive and used Opsite to hold it down but can't do that anymore. So now I spray Flonase on my skin (let it dry), lay a Johnson & Johnson Tough Pad, and place my Dexcom sensor on top of that, and secure that in place with KT tape (instead of Opsite). This seems to be working better and I am not getting a bad reaction as I was before. I can't even use my stomach either so now I use the back of my arms. Also tried thighs but that was really bad and am healing my skin there now...

I would rotate sites more frequently too as others have said and when removing make sure you're getting all the adhesive off. Unisolve works really well for this to get the bits you may have missed.

The pod is amazing.

You should try this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015TI2ZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NgUWBbJZGFYXX

Holds better than the other stuff. At least I think it does for my 3 year old.

Looking good!

The four main medications I make sure to include in a first aid kit are benadryl (allergic reaction/insect stings, sedative, cough suppressant- can be ground up, mixed in water and applied topically for itch/rash), aspirin (chest pain/heart attack/pain reliever), ibuprofen (pain reliever/inflammation), and immodium (diarrhea).

Make sure you've got enough gauze to control bleeding.

I'd recommend picking up one israeli battle dressing.

I'd try a hydrocolloid dressing that you can cut to the right size. It seals the wound in its own moisture and keeps out air. It's also waterproof and, if you get the right one, doesn't fall off for days. Get a very, very, thin one. Not a thick blister bandaid that you'll see in the store. The thin ones seem to stay on the face better for me and they are easier to cut into the right size and shape. The moisture sealed in prevents scabbing and will therefore not itch so much. And the wound will heal with minimal scarring. This stuff is a godsend.

I stronly recommend Smith Opsite tape Amazon Link

It lasts forever and helps my sensors work for 2weeks + easily. Also after your sensor expires for the first time just hit start sensor and keep going. The sensor is usually more accurate the second week in my experience.

These are the patches I got and the Emla was ~$53 for 30ml at the Costco pharmacy... which is quite a but cheaper than at Shoppers Drug Mart. You have to ask the pharmacist for the cream, but no prescription is required. 😊

There's a 5% Lidocaine cream available on Anazon too, but I went with the Emla because the cost difference was minimal.

The spider veins aren't from taking estradiol sublingually. If you keep the same (or higher) dose with patches, you'll still see them.

My only issue with patches was getting them to stick (I've got oily skin) when I perspired. I wound up using things like this over them to keep them on and they are pretty obvious.

Since then (it's been a decade since I used patches), I found this that might work too. It tears very easily but sticks very well.

I just get these Tegaderm patches and they work great. No issues under hockey gear, rolling over in bed etc. And for the price and ease of use a simple way to extend the sensor to 3+ weeks

Most of the pimple patches are simply precut thin hydrocolloid bandages. You can save a lot of money making your own by buying large thin hydrocolloid dressings sold for wound care online and cutting them down to patch size.

For example:
ConvaTec DuoDERM Extra Thin CGF Dressings 4 X 4 Inches 187955 10 Each

I've been using patches for a couple of months now. I've had a couple times where one didn't stick well. There are breathable transparent patches (Tegaderm) that will cover them and hold them on well, if you get one that's not holding. Wiping the application area first with some alcohol helps. Don't apply consecutively in the same spot.

They also get a gray ring of lint or something at the edges where the adhesive is a bit exposed. It is easily removed with Hollister's Medical Adhesive Remover patches.

As someone that has spend allot of time with our health-care system the last 4 months one of the biggest things I think they could get better at is not wasting supplies.

No one seems to give a shit about wasting supplies, they fuck up and its just "oh well get a new one". If they used the old saying measure twice, cut once it would probably save tens of millions per year.

The other thing that boggled me was being sent home a huge bag of medical supplies when I got home because its that or throwing them out. When they bring supplies into your room they can't be taken out and used on something else even if they are sealed. This might make sense to a point but could probably be solved easily by not bringing more supplies then needed. They sent me home with a whole box of tegaderm because it entered my room.

This is the one I use myself. It's waterproof and it's the smallest size that leaves plenty of room to apply my infusion sets on top. A Libre sensor should be fine on top of this too. Does this help?

I use DuoDerm and cut them to fit. They last forever and I've found they stay on better.

FYI you can get 11 yards of 4” OpSite on Amazon for $21.

Looks like Duoderm to me, you can get it on Amazon

Edited for a link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_0U5ZBbYERHNXE

Here's what I use: https://www.amazon.com/Smith-Nephew-Flexifix-Transparent-Adhesive/dp/B0015TI2ZA/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_121_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZAEM7B2RW0XPH3DGYZB7&dpID=41n4qzJlOLL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

I can also upload a template that I use to trace a shape outline onto the tape. Let me know if you would be interested.

I don't do either. I have these things I got on Amazon that are freaking amazing. Tegaderm 1624W Transparent Film Dressing they stick on so perfectly that those patches do not move and no water gets inside

Always include a tourniquet. Also these are good.

I've tried the Nexcare bandages and you're totally right. They don't stick very well to your face and I too would find them on my bed in the morning. I bought these, and not only do they stick to your face way better than Nexcare, they are a much better value. They're 4x4, so you have to cut them, but I think I've only gone through two full ones since I bought them last June.

These ones are absolutely the best. Expensive at first but they will last a looong time
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015TG6MQ

I use tegaderms (the 100 count box is the same price as the 50 on amazon.ca, https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0055AGR7U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_wDsXBb6KMKBZJ ) Those simpatches are just way too pricey.

I cut a circle of paper about the same size as the sensor, stick it in the middle of the tegaderm and put that on. If I need to replace the tegaderm it makes getting it off a lot easier, still got to be careful though and work it off slowly if you cut your cicle a bit small). Summer time, I usually end up using two or three tegaderms depending on how humid it is. And with weather like we have right now, I didn't need one at all. (I watch for the edges to start peeling and when they do, time to put a tegaderm over it.)

Can you put a [hydrocolliodal bandage ] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U1H9H60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8hbtDbWT1NP6D) on it to help drain it?

I run, and lift weights. With my patches being generics, they fall off when I sweat. So I secure them with tegaderm. They stay on even after running a half marathon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055AGR7U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_14SUDbY2DFRNR

Sure, it's here.

Someone on this sub once recommended Moleskin in a thread about annoying shoes.

I used to never be able to wear flats because they would destroy the back of my heel/ankle.

Stuck some of this in my shoe in the offending spot (you can also stick it to your foot but I found it fell off really quickly) and I've been loving flats ever since!

I just buy the blister dressing ones on Amazon. They're huge and I cut to need. A pack lasts me 18 months with 5 white heads a week!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015TG6MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gqA1CbMPFQBDY

we use these

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PLYV5I/?coliid=I1W3BRN6TD13MT&colid=3SIQQXMQZ7HGO&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

they come in different sizes (hubby has libre freestyle which is a little smaller)

https://www.amazon.com/Convatec-DuoDERM-Extra-Thin-Dressing/dp/B000PQ735Y/
This stuff is awesome for road rash, though not sure how it is different from saniderm

Go to the derm and get a cortizone shot. If that's not possible then put a warm washcloth on it till a white head appears, then poke it with a needle, and then put a hydrocolloid bandage on it.

These two products are the most commonly recommended for adhesive issues:
Flexifit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015TI2ZA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Skin Tac: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LZUWP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edit: I bought both when I went on the Ominpod and Dexcom but have yet to need each so I can't vouch for their effectiveness personally.

Sorry about you being laid off. That really sucks.

The routine isn't anything special--it's a simplified version of some advice I found over at /r/SkincareAddiction. You should go there if you're looking to really get into it. I intentionally kept it simple just so that I more easily keep up with it.

I mostly concentrated on my face, since I'm really prone to getting acne. In the evenings, I'll wash my face with Cerave Foaming Cleanser and exfoliate with Stridex pads. Wait for that to dry while I brush my teeth and then moisturize with Cerave cream. Wait for that to set in while I floss and put my hair up, and then I use a spot treatment on whatever acne I'm developing. Change my pillowcase every other day. In the mornings, it's the same thing minus the exfoliating pads and spot treatment. For the rest of my body, I just moisturize with cocoa butter lotion twice a day.

Like I said, it's not much. But it's a big step forward when you used to just wash your face once a day and leave it at that. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004YJ0TUY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1527537630&sr=8-3&keywords=non+stick+pads+with+adhesive&dpPl=1&dpID=51zhNx7i3PL&ref=plSrch

I am using these, sometimes I add tape.

these!

In the UK is kinda cheap:

Tegaderm Transparent Dressing 6 cm x 7 cm (Box of 20) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0009Q2OMW

This stuff: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015TI2ZA/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

you can try sealing it off with krazy glue (trust me, it works).

Or you can use a Tegaderm, which is fancy medical adhesive saran wrap: https://www.amazon.com/Tegaderm-Transparent-Dressing-Picture-Package/dp/B0009Q2OMW/ref=pd_sim_121_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0009Q2OMW&pd_rd_r=18696BDZ17RZWGA8QQEG&pd_rd_w=Y4f1i&pd_rd_wg=kJSTF&psc=1&refRID=18696BDZ17RZWGA8QQEG

for my Dexcom, I shave wherever I am placing it and don't need any adhesive for first 10-14 days. If sensor is still working, I use this OVER the sensor (cut a small square hole)

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Tegaderm-Transparent-Film-Dressing/dp/B001PLYV5I

Duoderm Hydrocolloid Dressing 187955 4 X 4" Box of 10, Sand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zAQNDbD5QAE4N

I'm guessing it's these: https://www.amazon.com/ConvaTec-DuoDERM-Dressings-Inches-187955/dp/B0015TG6MQ?pldnSite=1&th=1

They usually give you a tub of like 50 at the hospital but you use about 3 per pad at the beginning so I found the same ones on amazon:

BIRCHWOOD LABORATORIES A-E-R Pre-Moistened Witch Hazel Pads, 80 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TM10YE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wyB6BbVXKFVR9

I cut these up into the size I need. Expensive, but a box will last you six months.

Convatec DuoDERM CGF Extra Thin Dressing 4"x4", 10/Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PQ735Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FeCyCbGBVF7DF

Amazon has lots of options or you could make your own with witch hazel and cotton rounds: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TM10YE/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_xA5tzbA99G3GJ

I have the duoderm: https://www.amazon.com/Convatec-DuoDERM-Extra-Thin-Dressing/dp/B000PQ735Y/

You cut them to size and my box has been lasting forever.