How to care for blisters
We can all relate to the pain. We bought a new pair of shoes. We overdid the first hike of the season. We spent too much time in the mall looking for the perfect outfit to go with the shoes. We worked too hard in the yard. We had an unexpected brush with an unidentified plant.
Blisters can come from a variety of sources. You don’t have to give up on walking or your favorite hobby. Just use some commonsense tips for prevention and care. Once you know how to care for blisters you can go on with your normal activities.
Kinds and causes
Blisters are a pocket of pus just under the skin. They may also contain blood or clear fluid. The constant rubbing causes the layers of skin to separate and fill with liquid. When exposing your body to the same motions repeatedly, the skin will adapt. Once the skin becomes used to an activity, it will toughen up and the problem will not occur again. In some cases a protective callous forms. This can be a good thing, or it may create more serious problems.
A blood blister is caused by pinching or some kind of trauma. A friction blister is created by rubbing against something. These are the kinds of blisters we get from wearing shoes that don’t fit right or using repetitive motions with a new tool. If you put on your new boots and shovel out your driveway, you can get two at the same time.
Symptoms
As a blister develops, you will notice soreness and irritation. The site will be red and swollen and may feel hot. A fully developed blister will form a pocket of skin filled with liquid. Generally, it will heal up after 3 to 7 days. Once the skin dries up and the area is not longer painful, you can trim off the dead skin.
If it becomes infected, you will experience heat and burning, along with pain. You may even develop a fever.
Treatment
Nature attempts to heal the irritation by forming the pocket of pus. The layer of skin helps to protect from infection. Because of this, it is generally wise not to pop the blister.
Wash the area and apply cold compresses to relieve the discomfort. If the blister breaks on its own, apply an antiseptic and cover with a bandage. If the top of the blister is torn, it may be best to cut it away. Use small, sterilized scissors. Be careful not to cut healthy skin.
If the blister is very large or is subject to continued irritation, it may be wise to drain it.
If it needs to be lanced, use a sterilized needle. Either dip the needle in rubbing alcohol or heat in a flame until it is red hot. Allow it to cool without coming into contact with any surfaces. Puncture sterilized skin in several places at the edge of the blister to allow it to drain. Wash with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic. Cover with a bandage.
Protect your healing blister, if necessary, with a piece of moleskin. Cut into a “donut” shape with a hole just bigger than the blister. Cover with a bandage.
When to seek medical help
If the blister does not heal within a few days, you may need to see a doctor. Also note danger signals such as burning, tenderness, and pain that cannot be relieved. If the area is infected, you may need oral antibiotics.
Foot problems
If your problem is with blisters on your feet, you may have an issue with your shoes or with the feet themselves. Visit a shoe store that will take time to fit you properly. You may need to purchase an insert to align the shoes properly with your feet. Wearing acrylic socks rather than cotton may help. Acrylic layers move with the foot and are less likely to create friction.
If you are particularly difficult to fit, you may need orthotics. These are devices that fit in your shoes to compensate for foot abnormalities. In extreme cases, you may have to purchase specially-made shoes to correct your problem.
Prevention
Of course, we’d rather not get blisters in the first place. Here are some tips to protect your skin.
- Keep skin covered in wooded areas
- Learn to recognize plants such as poison ivy and poison oak
- Apply sunscreen and avoid overexposure to the sun
- Wear shoes that are dry and fit correctly
- For hiking and long walks, wear two pair of socks
- Work into new activities gradually
- Wear gloves for strenuous and repetitious activities
- Protect sensitive areas with a bandage
- Apply petroleum jelly or powder to pressure points
- Wear rubber gloves when working with harsh chemical products
Happy feet
Spending a little time preparing for an activity can pay off in blister-free skin. When soreness does develop, if you know how to care for blisters, you can continue your normal activities without discomfort.
