Though it may be tempting, resist the urge to pop those blisters.
Blisters may be quite painful, despite the fact that they are a very minor foot issue. They are also quite tempting to pop — I’m amazed a Dr. Blister Popper hasn’t been created yet — but resist the temptation. as opposed to pimples, blisters are different.
Then what are they? A blister is a fluid-filled sac that accumulated beneath your skin. It often develops in joints and other areas where you move a lot. Or a blister may develop on bony bumps. This is because as you run or walk, the bones come into touch with your shoe. Friction results from this contact. This causes the skin’s layers to separate and form a fluid-filled bubble.
Don’t Pop Your Blisters!!!
Blisters may happen to everyone. Human feet have been troubled by them for almost all of recorded history (as shown by this Incredible Runner’s World article!) We’ve discovered techniques to stop them, some of which are more effective than others. However, they often occur when your feet perspire. Running enthusiasts, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts frequently get blisters.
Do you sense one developing already? No worries, I’ll help. Just stick to my specific instructions for treating and avoiding those bothersome blisters.
How to Treat a Foot Blister
Put a band-aid over a little blister if you have one on your foot. Until it heals, the blister should be covered. But you may wash it and change the band-aids every day to avoid infection.
Has your blister already emptied? Apply an antibiotic cream to the area that is open. In order to avoid infection, re-cover the wound with a band-aid. After that, swap out the band-aid every day. Continue doing this until your skin has healed, or else you risk developing uncomfortable issues.
Seen any swelling, redness, or pus? Possibly, your blister is infected. It’s time to visit me, your Houston podiatrist. Quickly too, or you’ll be in a lot of trouble.
Similar rules apply to bigger blisters. Keep them covered if you can. However, we may drain a blister in the office if it is too large to cover and is causing you discomfort while moving about. Don’t try this at home. To remove the fluid from the blister, I’ll do it in my office using a tiny, sterile needle.
Most importantly, I will not disrupt your skin’s top protective layer. This is crucial to prevent infection. I’ll apply a dry, clean dressing to the area once it has been drained. This will keep it from becoming infected while you heal. You’ll get instructions from me on how to change the dressing every day.
Keep in mind that seeing a podiatrist for a blister is mostly optional. However, there are several exceptions. Come visit me straight away if your blister is bleeding or inflamed. I’ll go through the identical procedures I outlined previously, but I’ll also make sure it’s not infected. If there is a problem, I will also recommend medicine, either topical or oral.
Now that we are aware of how to treat blisters, let’s work to prevent their formation in the first place.
How to Avoid Getting Blisters
With repeated irritation, blisters develop. There is a problem if you consistently get blisters in the same location. We may apply a blister plaster to protect your skin. This creates a barrier between the irritant and your skin.
As I have explained, friction and moisture may also cause blisters. Sweating may provide moisture, as can the great outdoors (rain, humidity). Then rubbing causes friction. For runners, this often involves wearing uncomfortable socks or shoes. In light of this, here are 3 strategies to avoid getting a painful bump from this combo:
Wear comfortable shoes!
Always choose shoes that are comfortable, leaving at least a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the toe box. A well-fitting shoe can help to a great extent in preventing blisters.
Look for footwear made of natural materials as well. Compared to hard, synthetic materials, they ought to rub less. As for breaking in new shoes, forget it. They don’t fit if they don’t feel comfortable immediately away.
But what if you purchased a pair of stiff-feeling shoes and want to keep them? Make sure your feet don’t carry the burden. Instead, try softening the shoes using a shoe spray. After that, place a shoe stretcher inside overnight so the shoes may relax. Finally, test your shoes inside before venturing outside for a lengthy walk or run. For a week or two, limit your wearings to 30 minutes up till you are certain the shoes won’t rub. All set for the kicks? It’s time to discuss your socks now!
Socks are important, too!
You need socks that keep moisture off of your feet, especially in the hot summers in Houston. That meant cotton socks, as we used to say. However, we now understand that athletic socks that wick away moisture are more effective at keeping feet dry.
And if you get blisters between your toes? Consider wearing specialized socks that have a hole for each toe. When you work out, they become even more essential. Although they may seem a bit funny, they really aid in reducing moisture and friction. This implies less toe blisters and less pain, too.
Never underestimate household products.
Sometimes you just need a little bit more defense. Even if your socks and shoes are perfect, it can’t hurt to have some kind of friction barrier. That is why I adore Vaseline or petroleum jelly. You may prevent these bumps if you apply a thin layer to the areas where you often blister. Simply put on socks and shoes and get ready to leave after applying Vaseline. But what if you followed all of this great advice and yet developed a blister? It is therefore time to…
Visit Your Houston Foot Doctor
As we’ve previously said, you should see Dr. Ejodamen Shobowaleof DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center right away if you develop a large blister. Do not attempt to resolve the issue at home. Or try what I refer to as bathroom surgery. Why do you need to come in? I can quickly drain the blister for you in a safe manner and cover it. You may return to your regular schedule in this way. Free from discomfort, worry about infection, and other problems!
