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Blisters

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