How to Take Care of Foot Blisters

Blisters on your feet can be a very familiar, but very painful, problem for folks in all walks of life. They are caused by many different factors. Wet feet, socks that do not fit, new shoes that have not been broken in, or making a repeated movement that you do not usually make can all lead to the formation of foot blisters.

Actually, a foot blister is your body’s natural response to protect itself. When a particular part on your foot is subjected to an unusual amount of friction, it creates what is known as a hotspot in the area that is being chafed. The hot spot is an indicator that the sub layers of skin are being damaged by the constant rubbing that they are being subjected to. Failure to react to the hot spot warning sign by either protecting the area or quitting whatever is inducing the friction, will result in your body sending a rush of fluid to build a pad over the point of friction. This is how a foot blister is formed although it is not the blister itself that causes the pain but rather the chafed damaged tissue that is underneath. Knowing how to treat a foot blister will make all the difference in how long it takes to heal

When you get a blister, do you break it or leave it alone

Most folks know from experience that when they break a blister, that makes it worse and leaves it open to infection. Your body formed that buffer of fluid for a reason. If you leave the blister alone, the fluid will eventually be reabsorbed into the body once it has readapted to the new movement. A patch over your blister will also assist to prevent it from breaking. If the blister does break by itself, or you could not resist draining it, cover the area liberally with antibiotic ointment and cover it with a patch to prevent infection.

If you are into working out or going for a run every day, you are no doubt careful with all the gear you select for your preferred exercise routine. That being the case, why should you stop short when it comes to selecting the right foot gear such as socks and shoes? Your feet take you everywhere and deserve the best treatment you can give them.

Prevention is always the best medicine

Before venturing out on that five mile run or long walk over the hills, take the time to break in the shoes you will be wearing. Wear them frequently to figure out the rubbing areas and hot spots. When you pick out socks, ensure that they will not retain the moisture around your foot. Buy ones that are designed for wicking away moisture, and ensure that they are neither to big, nor too small. Products such as Body Glide can help to cut down rubbing over hot spots as well. You apply these products on places that you suspect may become hot spots before you begin any walking or exercise activity.