What causes blisters?

Blisters are caused by rubbing stress on the skin, this could be your shoe or sock rubbing on a particular part of your foot. Blisters can be painful or even dangerous so should not be ignored and need to be treated as soon as you see them.

How to prevent blisters forming

If you know you are prone to blistering in a certain area of your foot you should at least tape the area to help reduce shearing forces and prevent blistering before it starts.

Hot Spots

A sign that a blister is about to form is sometimes referred to as a ‘hot spot’ and immediate action should be taken to prevent it developing into a blister. Strategies that offload the painful area will help prevent any deterioration and include felt ‘donut pads’, gel toe caps and even offloading materials added to your trainers.

Don’t pop a blister

When a blister has already formed “popping” should be avoided as once the seal is broken bacteria can get in and cause infection. Even if the blister has “popped” the roof should be left in place. Ideally the area should be cleaned with antiseptic and a sterile dressing applied with offloading and taped in place.

Where the roof of the blister has come away a hydrocolloid dressings such as Compeed should be used.

Signs of infection

Always look out for signs of infection i.e. increased pain, Redness, heat (local to blister or spreading) and swelling. If you have some or all of these see a healthcare professional for advice.

This is the seventh in our series about common foot problems. Our we aim is to provide you with information about these conditions plus hints and tips (where possible) on how to avoid and treat them.

If you have any concerns about any aspect of your feet gives us a call to book a consultation with one of our talented podiatrist.