We’ve all experienced the agony of a fresh blister. Whether it’s after a lengthy walk or after only a few days of wearing new shoes. This article will give you advice on how to cure and avoid friction blisters.

What Exactly Is A Blister?

A blister is a pocket of fluid known as serum (the liquid component of blood) that forms beneath the upper layer of skin as a result of friction or rubbing. Blood blisters arise when the blood vessels beneath the skin are also injured, and they can be more painful than regular blisters. If a blister becomes infected, it might fill with pus. Blister formation is frequently caused by ill-fitting footwear – shoes that are either too tight or too loose.

 

The Value of Footwear

It is believed that we should not have to break in new shoes; they should be comfy right away. Some shoe designs and brands are known to produce blisters as a result of harsh leather uppers or a lack of width and depth. This is especially true when wearing high heels, as our center of gravity shifts forward, increasing pressure on the toes and ball of the foot. Consider the friction and strain on your toes when you’re crammed into a pointed stiletto.

 

Some styles can simply cause irritation, which is especially true for slip-on shoes, which require your toes to grab to hold the shoe or sandal on your foot. Because there is a lot of movement in these areas when wearing slip on shoes, the toe and heel areas are popular blister sites. People who run or participate in sports such as tennis, squash, and basketball are more likely to get blisters as a result of their quick, twisting movements.

 

How to Avoid Blisters

Shoes – Wide, round-toed shoes are recommended. It is best to try shoes on in store because it might be difficult to find a suitable fit when shopping online. A runner, for example, should have a solid heel counter to provide support, but the internal surface should be soft and cushioned to prevent rubbing at the back of the heel.

 

A “lace lock” is an excellent way to hold the tongue of the shoe in place and reduce shoe movement. Laced shoes are preferable since they may be secured securely on the foot and released as needed. Velcro shoes are the next best option; these are very handy for the elderly who can’t reach their feet or for little toddlers who have yet to learn to tie their laces.

 

Blisters can be avoided by wearing well-fitting shoes. If you suspect a shoe is to blame for your blister, avoid wearing it because it is likely to reoccur.

 

Socks – This should go without saying, but wear socks! Another typical cause of blisters is wearing shoes without socks. Thick socks provide more cushioning and protection than thin socks, which is why sports socks are so popular. Blisters are more likely to form on moist skin. Wear bamboo or athletic socks to keep your feet dry. These socks wick perspiration away from your feet, reducing moisture levels and helping to prevent blisters.

 

Orthotics (insoles) stabilize the feet in footwear, reducing mobility. Less movement implies less friction and a lower risk of blister formation.

 

Blister plasters – While some gel blister plasters are available in pharmacies, they should only be used when absolutely required and by those who have no known medical difficulties. It is best to see your pharmacist or podiatrist to see if it is safe for you to use. Pulling the gel plaster off before it is ready to be removed will cause excess skin to peel away, causing pain and tenderness and possibly infection.

 

Surgical spirits, which may be found in pharmacies, can help to avoid blisters by hardening the skin on the feet. It should not be used on broken skin.

 

If you have light sweaty feet, talcum powder is another alternative. If you have hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the feet), you should consult your doctor or a podiatrist about possible treatment options.

 

Felt padding, such as fleecy web padding or chiropody felt, may help to avoid blisters by reducing friction and creating a layer between the skin and the shoe. Your podiatrist may give you a sample to try before you buy.

 

How to Treat Blisters

If you rupture or burst a blister, you risk infecting yourself, especially if you are not using a sterile equipment. Picking at a blister or removing loose skin is not advised. To assist avoid infection, some blister locations may require salt water baths. Give it some time!

 

Blisters might take up to a week to heal. If you have diabetes, circulatory difficulties, are immunocompromised, or if the blister is particularly painful and prevents you from walking comfortably, it is recommended to get advice and treatment from a podiatrist.

 

What Can a Podiatrist Help Me With?

A podiatrist can inspect the blister and if suitable, drain the blister in a safe and hygienic manner. They can deroof the blister by removing the top layer of skin, allowing for faster healing. This is a highly skilled operation that requires the use of a scalpel and should not be attempted at home.

 

To accelerate up the healing process, the podiatrist will treat the region and may apply cushioning to offload the blister site. The podiatrist will provide information on prevention and how to care for the blister at home at the end of the appointment. They can tell you if the region is infected and if antibiotics are necessary.