Blisters Can Be Carefully Treated at Home

A painful blister can bring a halt to your workouts.

Whether you enjoy walking, running, in-line skating or even snowshoeing, it's important to always suit up with footwear that fits well and is appropriate for each sport.

However, no matter how well you prepare, even wearing shoes or boots that fit perfectly, you may get a blister on your foot. Blisters are simply pockets of fluid that build up because of excessive friction or rubbing where shoes or boots touch the skin. The fluid in the blister is usually clear. Sometimes, however, the fluid will appear pink from any blood present, or yellowish if it's infected.

A blister can result from shoes that don't fit properly, either too tight or too loose and slipping at the heel. Shoes that are too stiff as when they are brand new may also cause blisters. Some fungal infections like athlete's foot can result in blisters as can excessive sweating.

Most Blisters Respond Well to Home Treatment

If the blister is not infected, it can be successfully treated at home. As a first step, don't be tempted to pop it or drain the fluid. Just leave it alone and let it pop and then heal.

A blister that is sensitive or even painful can be treated as follows:

• Wash your foot with soap and water and dry. Make sure your hands are clean too.
• Clean the surface of the blister with a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol to reduce the risk of infection.
• Sterilize a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol.
• Insert the needle at the edge of the blister to make a tiny hole. Let the fluid drain and leave the flap of skin attached.
• Use hydrogen peroxide to clean the area and then smooth on antibiotic ointment.
• Keep the area covered with a dry bandage.

If you observe any sign of infection such as redness, warmth or pus, please contact the Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. for evaluation and treatment.

Blisters Can Be Prevented

• Wear shoes that fit well. The heels shouldn't slip when walking or running. Look for quality materials that let your feet breathe like leather and suede.
• Always wear dry shoes and socks. Alternate your shoes so they will dry out completely and change socks that get damp or sweaty. Acrylic socks will wick away water better than cotton.
• In damp conditions, apply foot powder to keep feet dry.
• When you feel any friction, take action. Stick on tape or an adhesive bandage to help prevent a blister.

Note for patients with diabetes: Always inspect your feet daily for any injury, even a small blister. Please contact us if you observe any type of damage.

We Can Help with Any Skin Problem on the Feet

Dr. James M. McKee, DPM, board certified podiatrist has the right experience to treat any type of skin problem on the feet, including painful or infected blisters. Please call us at 410-224-4448 to make an appointment at our office in Annapolis, MD. You can also request an appointment at the website. Take the right steps to heal a blister so your feet can take you where you want to go!