Nobody likes blisters. They’re painful, aggravating, and just an all-around nuisance to deal with. If you’re not quite sure how to properly care for your blister(s), use the following list of dos and don’ts to make its unpleasant visit as short as possible.
DO:
- Find out the cause of the blister. It may be something as simple as too much sweat or friction on an area of your skin, but sometimes blisters can be symptoms of other medical conditions. If you’re not quite sure what may have caused your blister, it’s probably best to consult with a qualified podiatrist, so that he/she can assess the situation and prescribe an appropriate course of action for treatment.
- Eliminate as much moisture from the affected area as possible. Using products such as moisture-wicking socks or Gold Bond Medicated Foot Powder can help keep your feet dry. By the same token, if your feet tend to dry out too much, try a skin cream that can seal in necessary moisture, or even use Vaseline to protect the affected area.
- Protect any areas that may experience frequent friction, such as the area of skin right above your heel (shoes are notorious for wreaking havoc there). You can try Band-Aids, cushion inserts, or any other type of product that can provide a protective barrier between your skin and your shoe. Hydrocolloid bandages are some of the best products on the market for this purpose; they provide an impenetrable barrier to bacteria, while at the same time absorbing fluids from the blister and producing a gel to heal the affected area.
DON’T:
- Peel off or remove the skin on top of the blister. It may be loose enough to seem like it can just come right off, but you’d be surprised at how this skin can hang on for dear life. Not only that, but this loose skin provides an important barrier of protection against infection. A podiatrist can drain the blister safely by using a sterile instrument to make a tiny hole for the fluid.
- Burst a small blister. Although it can be tempting to go ahead and get rid of it, popping a small blister often leads to bleeding or even infection, making the situation worse than if you would have just left it alone to heal naturally.
- Wear shoes that are too small or too uncomfortable for your feet. While it’s not uncommon for people to suffer for the sake of fashion, it’s much better when you can find a pair of shoes that are comfortable, breathable, and provide plenty of room.
Exercising proper blister care can help alleviate some of the annoyances that can come along with this troublesome issue. Use the tips outlined above to reduce pain and put your foot on the fast track to recovery.