Our top-rated Springfield VA podiatrist says that often the secret to healing a blister on your foot is to simply leave it alone. More often than not, your body has the capability to properly heal these minor wounds without assistance. Still, daily life often has you up on your feet and wearing shoes throughout the healing process, which can further irritate the blister. Read on for these simple tips from our podiatrist in Springfield to ensure a speedy recovery from your blister.
Springfield VA Podiatrist & Tips to Heal Blisters
#1 – Cover & Clean
Covering a blister is essential to protecting it from further disturbance and rupture. Blisters will drain independently. Our Springfield VA podiatrist does not recommend puncturing your blister unless it is causing extreme discomfort. Instead, cover the blister with a soft dressing. Gauze or loose bandages are safe options. Wash your hands before attending to a blister to prevent infection. To further protect the wound from harmful bacteria, apply antibiotic ointment or Vaseline to the area.
#2 – Give Your Feet a Break
Our Springfield podiatrist recommends staying off your feet when you have a painful blister, or at least wearing accommodating footwear that does not irritate the blister. For example, wear loose fitting shoes and a second pair of socks to ensure minimal friction as the blister heals. You may also consider trying a foot powder to put in your socks to even further minimize friction.
#3 – Prevent Blisters
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This philosophy can surely be applied to blisters. Stray away from shoes that are too tight. Leaving a little wiggle room can help prevent painful friction. This is also worth keeping in mind while purchasing shoes for your children. A comfortable fit can go a long way. If your shoes tend to rub on certain areas of your foot, you can also purchase and insert moleskin to provide extra padding. Lastly, socks that absorb moisture are a smart choice when avoiding blisters because excess moisture can quickly cause or worsen blisters.
Call Our 5-Star Springfield VA Podiatrist for More Tips to Heal Your Blisters
#4 – Monitor the Healing Progress
Again, most blisters will indeed heal on their own, but be sure to keep an eye on them as they heal. Our podiatrist in Springfield recommends consulting with your podiatrist if you have a blister that keeps reoccurring, has yellow or green pus, causes a fever, or is painful, hot, or has red streaks. Some pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart conditions can also make blisters worse.
Call our The Podiatry Center to consult with our Springfield podiatrist if you have any concerns or questions about your blisters.
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 topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Springfield VA, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.