Blisters are painful, fluid-filled lesions, often caused by friction and pressure.

Causes of blisters

• Ill-fitting shoes
• Stiff shoes
• Wrinkled socks against the skin
• Excessive moisture
• Foot deformities
• Biomechanical imbalances

What can you do?

• Keep your feet dry.
• Always wear socks as a cushion between your feet and shoes.
• Wear properly fitting shoes.
• If a small blister does occur, do not pop it.
• Cut a hole in a 1/4" piece of foam or felt, forming a "doughnut" over the blister; tape the foam or felt in place or cover with a soft gel type dressing.
• Treat an open blister with mild soap and water; cover it with an anti-septic ointment and protective soft gel dressing to prevent infection and speed up the healing process.

What can a podiatrist do for you?

• Identify the source of friction and discuss treatment options.
• If the blister is painful, drain it.
• Remove the roof of the blister if needed.
• Prescribe appropriate medications, topical or oral.
• Recommend paddings, dressing and friction-reducing measures.
• Recommend shoe changes and/or orthoses.

Source: BC Association of Podiatrists, American Podiatric Medical Association