When a bubble of fluid forms under the skin, a blister is the result. It may be blood, pus or clear fluid, and blisters may be caused by trauma, friction, burns, viral infections, chemicals or poisonous plants. For runners, friction or trauma are typical causes, especially poor-fitting or wet shoes that have literally rubbed you the wrong way. While blisters may be uncomfortable, there are things you can do to alleviate your discomfort and enable you to run. See your doctor if your blister does not resolve within several days, or if you notice signs of infection.
Step 1
Avoid puncturing the blister, since skin helps keep bacteria out and prevents infection, explains University of Iowa Health Care. Only puncture it if it is causing you pain or interferes with your walking or running. If you leave the blister, putting some moleskin or gauze and a small adhesive bandage on the blister can provide some extra cushioning.
Step 2
Puncture the blister if it is causing you pain while running. Wash your hands and the blistered area with soap and water, and apply rubbing alcohol to the blister. MayoClinic.com suggests sterilizing a clean needle with rubbing alcohol and puncturing the blister near the edge. Drain the fluid, but leave the skin over the affected area. Put an antibiotic cream on the blister and put a bandage over the skin.
Step 3
Remove the dead skin over the blister after several days and reapply antibiotic cream and a bandage. Make sure the area is not infected. You may want to keep wearing a bandage or some gauze over the tender skin until new skin has grown back to avoid further rubbing and irritation when you run.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent blisters by wearing shoes that fit properly. Shoes that are too big or too small can cause friction along your skin, resulting in blisters. Putting Vaseline on areas of your foot where your shoes tend to rub can help prevent blisters. Wearing two pairs of socks may help protect your skin and give you added protection and cushioning as well.
- Call your doctor if you see signs of infection in the blister, including pus, redness, increasing pain or if the skin is warm to the touch, says MayoClinic.com. If your blister does not heal within several days, see your doctor immediately, especially if you are a diabetic, University of Iowa Health Care says.
Things You'll Need
- Moleskin or gauze
- Adhesive bandage
- Antibiotic cream
- Needle
- Rubbing alcohol
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