Have no fear. Blisters are a painful experience no one enjoys. If you find that you have one, there are a few ways to properly treat them. While treating a blister, it is important to pay attention to it as it heals as well. Foot discomfort—such as when your heel hurt in the morning—can signal pressure or irritation that may contribute to blister formation. Once you have treated a blister and it has healed, you will want to ensure that you take preventative measures to prevent reoccurrence.
Treatment:
NEVER DE-ROOF BLISTERS! The top portion of the blister should always be left intact to serve as a protective barrier. Do not attempt to remove this piece of skin. You can drain the fluid within the blister by cautiously tackling it yourself, although this should be avoided if there is any sign of infection or if you have poor circulation or diabetes. For people with diabetes, blisters can be diabetic foot warning signs and should be evaluated by a podiatrist rather than treated at home. Proper foot care for person with diabetes is especially important, as even minor skin issues like blisters can lead to serious complications. Obtain a clean needle (rinse with rubbing alcohol a couple of times) and pierce the blister parallel to the surface, in two places. Then, gently push on one side of the blister to drain out all the fluid. The fluid should be clear in color. If you notice a reddish or white pus-like discharge, seek the attention of a podiatrist immediately, as it is likely to be infected.
Prevention:
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Purchase properly fitting shoes
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Don’t use wet socks
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Attempt to use adhesive bandages or blister patches over irritated skin areas
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Always wear socks in shoes, and consider breathable socks such as those made with Coolmax
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For blisters located on the bottom of the foot, try special insoles or pads to offload the pressure on those painful areas