Blister Care 101

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know summer brings fun, longer, warmer days, and many reasons to be outdoors. However, it also increases an annoying problem that can put an instant crimp in your summer plans: Blisters. The pain caused by these tiny skin bubbles can bring your summer fun to a screeching halt until they are dealt with.

Here is a quick primer with all you need to know about blisters:

Cause

Blisters on your feet result from friction—usually between footwear and skin. Rising temperatures mean sweatier feet, increasing the movement and friction between your shoes and skin. Bunched-up socks or hose can also be the culprit that causes a blister to form.

Treatment

Though you may not appreciate it when you get one, blisters are doing an amazing task. The fluid-filled sac forms over an area of skin that has been irritated and rubbed raw to protect it from further damage and allow new skin a chance to develop. That’s why you shouldn’t pop a blister. If you get a blister, ensure the surrounding area is clean, and then cover it loosely with a bandage. Avoid wearing the footwear that caused the blister until it is fully healed.

If a blister pops on its own, wash gently with mild soap and water. Smooth down the skin flap—do not attempt to remove it—and apply an antibacterial ointment to the area. Cover with a bandage. Check the site daily. Keep it clean and change the bandage as needed. Be on the lookout for any signs of infection: fever, pus, redness, or red streaks from the blister and warmth in the skin around the blister. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact our Upper West Side office as soon as possible by calling 212-877-1002 and make an appointment so that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff can take a look and treat an infection promptly if it is present.

Prevention

The best way to deal with blisters is not to get one! You can prevent blisters by:

  • Wearing shoes that fit properly

  • Rotating your footwear

  • Choose socks made of material that wicks moisture away from your skin

  • Dust your feet with foot powder to keep them dry on hot days

  • Carrying moleskin with you and applying a piece to the skin on your foot as soon as you detect soreness or irritation.

Don’t let a blister slow your summer roll!

Foot Care TipsGoldsmith Podiatryblisters, blister treatment, blister prevention