Blisters

Blisters are commonly caused by friction and burns.  Try to keep the blister intact to prevent or reduce risk for infection.  Skin over a blister actually serves as a natural barrier to bacteria and other pathogens and therefore decreases infection risks. 

What to do?

Using an adhesive bandage, cover a small blister.  For large blisters, use a porous plastic-coasted gauze pad.  This will absorb the moisture and will allow the wound to breathe.

Some people get into the habit of puncturing a blister.  As a safety reminder, please don't puncture a blister unless it is causing pain or if it is preventing you from walking or using one of your hands.  For patients suffering from diabetes or poor circulation, it would be wise to call your doctor before considering self-care measures stated below.

Self-care measures

You can relieve pain that is caused by the blister by draining the fluid while leaving the overlying skin intact.  How to do it?  Here's how:

  • Begin by washing your hands and the affected area with soap and water
  • Disinfect the blister and the surrounding area with iodine or 70% isopropyl alcohol
  • Using a sterile needle (which can be bought in pharmacy/local drug store), puncture the blister.  If there is no available needle, use any clean needle and sterilize it with alcohol before using.
  • Allow the fluid to drain leaving the overlying skin in place.
  • Apply antibiotic cream to the punctured blister.
  • Cover the blister with a bandage or gauze pad
  • After several days, sterilize tweezers and scissors and use this to cut away the dead skin. 
  • Apply ointment and put a bandage to cover the affected area.

If there are signs of infection around the blister, notify your doctor and seek medical consultation.  Signs of infection include pus, redness, pain on the area, warm skin.

How to Prevent a Blister

Use a protective covering over the area that is constantly being rubbed.  If the blister is on your toes, you may use socks or bandage.  For blisters that occur on the hand, you may use gloves or bandage for example.   You might also try attaching moleskin to the inside of your shoe where it might rub, such as at the heel.

Shoe Shopping Tips to Prevent Blisters

  •    Buy your shoes during the middle of the day.  Feel usually swell throughout the day especially if one walks or stands often.  Morning purchases tend to make an ill-fitting shoe.  Feet usually are a bit smaller during the morning. By the end of the day, your feet would be a little larger in size.  
  • Bring the socks that you would normally wear when you buy shoes that would require socks.  Fit the shoes with the socks on.  
  • Try the shoes on both feet.  Compare the shoe pair size you are buying.  Make sure they are of the same size.  Unless of course when your foot is actually bigger than the other foot.
  • Choose flexible shoes that give support for the feet.  Also preferred for comfort are the ones with cushioned insoles.
  • Avoid those with seams in the toe box.  This may irritate bunions or hammertoes.