Blisters ruin a run, walk, hike or workout, but the pain can be relieved or reduced by properly caring for and covering an existing blister, and taking precautionary measures to avoid them in the future.
Fundamentals
Shoes or socks rubbing repeatedly over the skin cause the outer layer of skin to separate from the inner layers, according to the SportsInjuryClinic.net website. The space between the two layers fills with lymph fluid, creating a blister.
Blisters commonly plague runners and walkers wearing new shoes. Wearing old worn-out shoes, thin socks, wet shoes or wet socks also cause blisters. Even with comfortable shoes and appropriate socks, blisters can erupt on the feet of athletes participating in long events such as marathons or running on uneven terrain.
Other risk factors include flat feet, bunions or hammertoes and ethnicity, with African Americans at lower risk for foot blisters than other ethnic groups, according to the Podiatry Today website.
Treatment
The Mayo Clinic recommends keeping blisters intact. Unbroken skin over the blister provides a barrier to reduce bacteria and the risk of infection, according to the clinic website. Small blisters should be covered with an adhesive bandage. Very large blisters should be covered with a porous, plastic-coated gauze pad that will absorb moisture.
Blisters should not be punctured or drained unless they are on a weight-bearing area or very painful, according to the Mayo Clinic website. People with diabetes or circulatory issues should contact a doctor before attempting to self-treat large blisters.
Pain Relief
Before draining fluid from a blister to relieve pain, thoroughly wash the area as well as hands with soap and warm water, according to instructions on the Mayo Clinic website. Swab the blister with rubbing alcohol or iodine.
Wipe a clean, sharp needle with rubbing alcohol and gently puncture the blister in several spots along the blister edge. Let the fluid drain through the punctures but leave the overlying skin in place. Apply antibiotic ointment to the blister and cover it with a bandage or gauze.
After several days, use tweezers and scissors cleaned with rubbing alcohol to cut away the dead skin. Cover the area with more antibiotic ointment and a bandage until it heals.
Warnings
Pus, redness, warm skin and increasing pain may be signs of infection and should be examined by a doctor, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Blood-filled blisters should not be drained and may require a doctor's care.
Indications
Redness of the skin signals the threat of a blister, especially on impact areas such as the instep, heel and toes. Covering the reddened area with a second-skin material or blister plaster can prevent a blister from forming, according to the SportsInjuryClinic website.
For short-term relief, cover the reddened area or entire foot with a layer of petroleum jelly.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to prevent blisters is to ensure that shoes fit correctly, according to the SportsInjuryClinic website.
Any hot spots prone to blister formation---around ankles, under toes or on heels---should be taped or covered with a second skin material before a run or workout. Shoes and feet should be kept as dry as possible, including by changing socks regularly and using foot powder.
Significance
While foot blisters generally heal quickly without long-term problems, they can become more than just an annoyance. According to the Podiatry Today website, blisters can alter a runner's gait and form, leading in some cases to more serious leg and hip injuries.
