Blister Treatment and Prevention

Blisters are caused by friction from shoes or clothing rubbing repeatedly on the skin causing friction burns.  As the outer layer of skin separates from the inner layer, the space between the two layers fills with lymph fluid.  Blisters are also common with athletes breaking in new shoes as well as taking part of exceptionally long events such as a marathon.  Blisters can also form if you are not wearing the correct fit of shoes.

If you do get a blister, follow these at home treatment guidelines:

• If the blister is small and closed, leave it alone and take steps to keep it from getting bigger.  This includes stop walking or running, change shoes, and cover it with a loose bandage.  If you cannot stop the activity that is causing the blister, then protect it with a donut-shaped moleskin pad leaving the area over the blister open.  You can also cover it with Body Guard-Tender Touch Gel Pads.  They can be cut to fit your desired area of coverage, plus they are reusable and contain no adhesives.  Not only do they cover blisters, but they are also good for covering up irritated skin and used for preventative measures as well.




Body Guard tender touch gel pads


• If the blister is larger than 1 inch in diameter, you will need to drain it.  First, you should sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol.  Puncture the blister and carefully drain the fluid from within it.  Make sure you leave the skin intact and don't peel it off.  Second, you will need to wash the area with soap and water.  Gently smooth the flap of skin over the blister.  Third, apply an antibiotic ointment on the blister and cover it with a sterile bandage. Make sure you don't use any alcohol or iodine on the blister.  This causes a delay in the healing process.  Lastly, make sure you change the bandage once a day, removing the bandage at night so the area may dry.
• If the blister is filled with blood, do not drain it.
• You should call a medical provider if you see signs of infection.  These symptoms would include pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, pus or if a fever develops.  Diabetics and people who have peripheral vascular disease should also contact their medical provider if they develop blisters.

Body Guard tender touch gel pads

There are several ways you can try to prevent blisters.  Most importantly, you want shoes that fit your feet correctly.  You can help protect potential "hot spots" by applying a second layer of skin or taping your foot.  This will give your skin a protective barrier to avoid getting friction burns.  Keep your feet as dry as possible.  Wet shoes and socks will cause blisters quicker than dry ones.  You may need to change your socks often and use foot powder to help keep them dry. 

You can also try using a lubricant on all areas that generally blister before your activity.  You might want to try petroleum jelly, lanolin, or any other anti-chafing lubricant to rub on your feet.  Experiment with different brands of socks.  You are going to want to stay away from cotton socks, for these then to retain moisture.  Look for socks made with modern synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene or CoolMax.  These will help wick away the moisture so it is not on the skin to weaken it.

If you do have a blister that is in need of medical attention, please contact our office at 419-423-1888 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Vail.  If you have any other questions regarding your foot health, visit our website at http://www.vailfoot.com/.