Foot Care

Foot care is vital while trekking in Papua New Guinea. Worn-in, supportive waterproof boots are a necessity. We recommend inner and outer hiking socks to minimise shearing, with at least a new set every second day. Ensure toenails are trimmed throughout the trek. Where possible, allow your feet to dry (eg. lunchbreaks, during the evening). When crossing creeks without your boots on, be sure to wear reef sandals or Croc-style shoes to avoid cuts and scratches from submerged rocks. Take similar care while bathing in the creeks and streams. Fungal infections can be prevented by the application of antifungal powder or cream in the evenings.

Prevention of blisters can be achieved applying hydrocolloid pad dressings (eg Dr Scholl, Spenco) to pressure areas. These often come off in extreme moisture and require an elastoplast dressing over the top to remain in place. The common pressure areas are the side of the big toe and the ball of the foot, but obviously this varies and individuals should become familiar with their particular pressure areas during training.

Treatment of blisters consists of keeping them clean and avoiding further abrasion. Commercial blister pads (Dr Scholl, Spenco, Band-Aid) are useful for this purpose. Antibiotics may be required if the blisters become infected with bacteria.