Most of us have had the painful experience of getting blisters on our feet. They frequently occur on the back of the heel and ball of the foot. Blisters aren’t anything you should have to deal with, and our Bethesda foot clinic wants to provide some advice on how they develop, how to best avoid them, and how to treat them if they do occur.
Causes Of Blisters
Skin friction is the cause of blisters. Some things that increase your likelihood of developing blisters include an active lifestyle, exercising frequently, wearing improperly fitting shoes, thin cotton socks, and having sweaty feet. Stiff shoes that rub against the heel are also common culprits.
Preventing Blisters
To avoid blisters, try applying petroleum jelly to the areas of your feet that blister before exercising. Additionally, doubling up your socks can reduce friction, as can padding, like a bandaid or blister pad. These methods will protect your heels or balls of your foot (or wherever you tend to get blisters).
What To Do For Blisters
If you end up with a blister, avoid wearing shoes that put pressure on it. Try to let it pop on its own, and do not pop it with your fingers, as that can irritate the skin and lead to infection. If the pressure of the blister becomes too painful or causes trouble walking, follow the below steps to relieve the discomfort:
- Wash your hands and the blister area well with soap and water
- Ensure that the blister is not already infected (check for a green or yellow color)
- Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol
- Pierce around the edges of the blister to release fluid
- Apply antibiotic ointment and wrap with gauze.
This should relieve pain and pressure, and after a few days the blister should be on its way to healing! If you have any complications, be sure to contact our podiatrist for an appointment.
Contact Our Bethesda Foot Clinic Today To Find Out More!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other podiatry-related topics, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center by clicking here or by calling 301-232-3764.
