How to Care for Foot Blisters

Like most folks, you’ve likely had at least one experience with blisters on your feet.

It probably happened when you started wearing a new pair of shoes or insisted on wearing footwear that never fit correctly and irritated your skin every time you wore them.

No matter how or why you developed a foot blister, you know that they can be painful and debilitating.

They can make every step an excruciating ordeal, they’re prone to infection, which can be particularly risky for those with diabetes.

As with any health issue, the best cure for foot blisters is to prevent them from developing in the first place.

The Key To Preventing Blisters From Forming

No matter how you get a blister, the end result is no fun, but there are few steps you can take to help prevent blisters from forming.

The key to preventing blisters is to prevent the chafing that leads to their development. Here are three ways you can keep chafing to a minimum and reduce the chances of getting a foot blister

  • Wear good socks and shoes. Protection equals prevention. Choose nylon or moisture-wicking socks and wear two pairs if needed. Equally important, make sure your shoes fit correctly and are neither too loose or too tight
  • Use soft bandages. For areas like your ankle that are starting to chafe, securely apply an adhesive moleskin or other soft bandage.
  • Apply powder or petroleum jelly to chafing areas. These products can help reduce friction when your skin rubs together with your footwear.

They hurt, they make every step an excruciating ordeal, they’re prone to infection and, frankly, they are a bit gross. You want that blister to heal as soon as possible.

At minimum, you don’t want to make things worse or interfere with the natural healing process that ultimately takes care of most blisters.

3 Simple Tips To Help Manage A Blister

If you find yourself hobbled with a painful blister, here are three ways to care for them that will put the spring back in your step.

“Tent” A Bandage Over Any Blisters

You’ll want to put a bandage over your blister to protect it from infection and cushion irritation from socks or shoes, but blisters need air to heal properly.

A flat and tight bandage over the blister can suffocate it and delay the natural healing process. Let the blister breath while still protecting it by “tenting” a bandage over the blister.

Apply the adhesive parts of the bandage closer together than you typically would so that the bandage’s cushion forms a protective tent over the wound.

When you are at home with your shoes off, take the dressing off, apply some antibacterial ointment and let the blister breathe even more.

Apply Green Tea to Reduce Inflammation

Green tea’s anti-oxidant qualities make it much more than a soothing beverage.

Green tea can reduce inflammation and put an extra charge into the body’s healing powers. To treat a blister, don’t drink the tea, but instead apply it directly to the blister itself.

Brew three bags of green tea in boiling water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, let the brew cool, and soak your blister in it.

If the blister is an area too difficult to soak, instead soak some gauze in the brew and then apply the gauze to the blister.

Don’t Mess With It or Pick At Blisters!

Don’t pick at your blister or you increase your risk of infection.

Instead, let the blister pop on its own or use a sterilized sewing needle to open the blister near its lowest part so the fluid can drain.

Cover it with antibiotic ointment and a bandage so it can safely heal.

Call the Foot and Ankle Specialists at JAWS Podiatry

If you have a chronic problem with blisters or have a blister which has become infected, we can help.

Our experienced and skilled podiatrists at JAWS Podiatry in Hollywood, Florida are a growing team of exceptional medical professionals who offer the highest degree of care in a welcoming, comfortable environment.

Please all our teams at (954) 922-7333 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.