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Blisters are small fluid pockets of clear fluid that form in the superficial skin layers.
If you get a blister, you better leave it alone, as it will heal on its own in a week or so. If the blister is too painful or if its appearance bothers you, you can try the following remedies:
- Cover the blister: Apply a loose bandage over the blister. This will prevent further chafing due to footwear.
- Use padding: You may use soft padding with a donut shape with a hole in the middle. You can place it around the blister, such that the donut overlies the blister. Cover the blister and padding with a bandage. This will prevent the blister from popping open when you are running or walking.
- Draining the blister: Painful blisters over the sole or underneath the toe may need draining. You must sterilize a small needle using rubbing alcohol. Now rub some alcohol over the blister as well and let it dry. Make a small hole at the edge of the blister and gently squeeze out the fluid with the cotton gauze. Wash the blister again with soap and running water and pat dry. Do not remove the skin over the blister as the intact skin is a natural barrier against the dust or germs entering the blister. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area loosely with sterile gauze. Change the bandage daily and whenever it gets dirty or wet. Till the blister heals completely, you must avoid wearing shoes or doing the activity that caused the blister.
How to prevent a blister?
Preventing chafing of the foot and wearing comfortable footwear in the sun are the best measures to prevent a blister.
- Protect your feet: Always use shoes that fit you well. Buy footwear that has good padding. Use good quality socks with shoes.
- Consider soft bandages: Consider using adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages at the areas of the feet that are prone to blistering. Make sure the bandages are applied securely.
- Apply powder or petroleum jelly to problem areas: This helps in reducing the friction when your skin rubs against the footwear.
- Stop your activity immediately if you experience pain or discomfort or if your skin turns red.
Some blisters must not be self-treated. Contact your doctor in the following cases:
- You have diabetes and get foot blisters
- Blood blister (blister turns red)
- Septic blister (blister fills with pus)
- Blisters due to spill of caustic agents
- Multiple blisters due to an insect bite
- You develop fever
- There is a change in the color of the skin surrounding the blister