Do you love spending time outdoors, but dread the thought of getting a foot blister? If so, you're not alone. Foot blisters are a common problem for people who enjoy hiking, running and other outdoor activities. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of foot blisters, treatments and prevention methods. We hope that this information will help you to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities this summer without having to worry about pesky foot blisters!
There are a few different things that can cause foot blisters. One of the most common causes is friction. When your feet rub against your shoes, socks or the ground, it can create friction and heat. This can cause the skin on your feet to become irritated and blister.
Another common cause of foot blisters is moisture. If your feet are sweaty or wet, they are more likely to develop blisters. Finally, if you have any existing medical conditions that cause dry skin or poor circulation, you may be more susceptible to developing foot blisters.
Blisters are generally safe to treat at home, but if you are diabetic, have poor circulation, or any other major health problem, it is best to call our office to handle the blister. These health issues can increase your risk of infection, so it is best not to treat them yourself.
If you are not diabetic or have any other health issue, we recommend gently piercing the blister with a clean needle that has been sanitized with rubbing alcohol, and lightly press on the blister to drain the fluid. It’s very important to keep the skin covering the blister in place, as it will protect the blister from infection and keep the raw skin clean. Apply a wound care cream, such as Amerigel and cover it with a Band-Aid. You might need to repeat this if the fluid returns in a day. Once the blister dries out and the raw skin heels, it’s ok to trim away the dead skin. And, of course, try to avoid the shoes and activity that caused the blister for a few days to allow the skin to heal.
If the blister continues to hurt, turns red or fills with puss, call our office at 859-264-1141 for an appointment immediately. That probably means it has become infected and it will need additional care
The best way to avoid foot blisters is to take preventive measures. One of the most important things you can do is to wear well-fitting shoes. Make sure your shoes are not too tight or too loose. Shoes do not need to be “broken in”. If they are not comfortable in the store, don’t buy them.
You should also wear socks that fit well and help to reduce friction. If you know you will be walking or running for a long period of time, you may want to apply a foot powder to your feet before heading out. This will help to reduce friction and moisture. I recommend Bombas socks for blister prevention. They include unique technology that was designed for blister prevention. You can check out the video here and also find a discount code in the description!
We do have a product that will help prevent moisture for those of you who struggle with sweaty feet called Mod Pod Fresh. Fresh is a deodorizing foot spray that is formulated to keep your feet dry and fight odor-causing bacteria. You can spray it directly on your feet as needed.
We hope that this information has been helpful in preventing foot blisters. Enjoy your summer activities and don't let foot blisters ruin your fun! If you do end up with a blister, remember to treat it properly and take preventive measures for next time. With a little bit of care, you can avoid foot blisters and enjoy the summer. If you have foot blisters or any other issue, please call the office at 859-264-1141 or schedule an appointment online.