Foot Blisters
Foot blisters are bumps on the skin that that are filled with fluid and look like bubbles. They are caused by friction from clothing or shoes rubbing repeatedly on the skin. Friction causes the top layer of skin to separate from the layers beneath it, forming a blister which fills with lymph fluid. These blisters are common, particularly in athletes or people who spend a lot of time on their feet, and can be treated without medical supervision. However, foot blisters that cannot be blamed on friction should be examined by your physician.
Blister Beginnings
While painful and annoying, foot blisters can be cured, beginning with simple home treatment at the very first signs of the formation of a blister. The skin will look red and inflamed, and the areas most likely to be affected are the instep, heel or toes. Wash your foot with warm soapy water and pat dry with a soft towel. Don't rub the affected area dry, as rubbing is what caused the problem to begin with and will only make matters worse.
Apply a second skin dressing or a blister plaster to the affected area to help protect it. Warm the plaster in your hands for a few minutes to encourage it to stick to your skin more effectively. Your blister plaster will provide a strong, protective second skin that will remain in place as long as you wish, even if you get it wet. There are many different brands of blister plasters, and they're readily available from your local pharmacy. They're also commonly retailed by sporting and outdoor specialty shops. These wonderful first aid patches are also widely used by medical facilities for treating other types of wounds, including burns.
If you don't have a blister plaster immediately available, apply a heavy coat of petroleum jelly to the reddened area, and cover it with tape. The jelly should provide a measure of pain relief, as well as temporary protection. However, once your body heat melts it, it will turn runny and won't be very effective. So it's important to obtain and apply blister plasters as soon as possible. You're going to need them as the blister forms and throughout its treatment process.
Foot Blister Treatment
Once the top layer of skin separates and the blister forms completely, it will fill with fluid. Continue to protect the area with blister plasters. If after a day or two of formation, the blister hasn't burst on its own, sterilize a needle or pin by passing it through a flame, and poke a small hole in the blister near its edge.
Gently press on the blister to force the fluid to drain through the hole. Don't cut away any of the skin. Leave it intact as much as possible to provide an important natural protective covering for the skin layers below it. This will also help to prevent infection.
Clean the blister and surrounding area with a sterilizing wipe or an antiseptic. Leave it uncovered as much as possible so that the air can dry it. The more open air exposure the blister receives, the faster it will harden and heal.
Cover it with a blister plaster only when necessary to protect it. Apply tape over the top of that for a little added protection. This will also serve to minimize the pain and to encourage quick healing without the formation of a scab. The cushion will keep the blister clean, and will absorb and wick away any harmful moisture that may form.
Continue to air the blister as much as you can, applying blister plasters when you can't, throughout the healing process. Keep it clean and dry, and protect it by cushioning against pressure.
Simple Prevention
Simple friction foot blisters can easily be prevented with good common sense practices. Always wear socks to provide a cushion between your shoes and your feet. They'll also help to keep your feet dry. Change your socks and shoes if they become damp or wet. Blisters are caused much quicker by wet footwear. Use foot powder to help keep your feet dry.
If your shoes are too tight or if they rub your foot anywhere, don't wear them. That's probably how your foot blisters were caused. Wear roomy shoes and boots with a wide toe area that allows you to wiggle your toes. If you can't avoid footwear that rubs, tape that area of your foot to help protect it from blistering.
Tags: blister plaster, blister plasters, your foot, foot blisters, your feet, affected area