Wearing any type of skates, especially if they are new or poorly fitting, can result in friction blisters. Friction blisters occur when continuous pressure or rubbing irritates the skin and causes the top layers of the skin to separate. Fluid then accumulates inside the skin layers. Most blisters from skating heal within a few days provided the source of irritation is removed. Continuing to wear skates on the affected foot hinders healing and increases the risk of infection.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling your skating blister.
Step 2
Clean the blister and surrounding area with rubbing alcohol or iodine before covering with an adhesive bandage or popping.
Step 3
Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and use it to pop at the sides of a blister that is large or painful. Leave small blisters intact, as the fluid inside the blister functions to protect your skin from infection and additional injury.
Step 4
Press any loose skin back into place over the area of popped blister. Do not cut or pull this skin away. Leaving the skin in place helps reduce infection risk and may help prevent scarring. Cut away any dead skin several days after popping your blister.
Step 5
Apply an antibiotic ointment to popped blisters, and then cover the blister with a sterile adhesive bandage. Change the bandage once each day or whenever it becomes wet or soiled.
Step 6
Cover the adhesive bandage with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, and then place another, larger adhesive bandage on top of the first. This transfers friction to the layers of bandage when you wear shoes or skates.
Step 7
Wear two pairs of socks if you must wear skates during recovery to cushion the blister and reduce friction against your skin.
Step 8
Tie your skates tighter to prevent friction on your blister during recovery and to reduce the likelihood that your blister will recur.
Tips and Warnings
- If you continue to develop skating blisters after several months of using your skates, undergo a professional fitting and invest in a different pair.
- Call your doctor if your blister fails to heal after two weeks, if you suffer from diabetes or immune dysfunction, or if you develop increasing pain, redness, warmth or swelling in the area.
Things You'll Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Needle
- Antibiotic ointment
- Adhesive bandage
- Petroleum jelly
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