Blisters

Blisters are raised fluid filled area of the skin. They can occur anywhere and are due to friction and excessive moisture.

Goal of treatment is to reduce friction and moisture of the foot.

Moisture

• Moisture due to external causes must be handled by choosing appropriate shoe gear.
• Buy water-proof hiking or work boots so that moisture due to external causes can be eliminated.
• Sweating can be managed with appropriate shoes, socks (smart wool socks, cool max), and foot hygiene.
• Excessive sweating feet can be treated with the use of an over the counter or prescription strength antiperspirants.
• Change your socks if they become moist.

Friction

• Make sure your shoes fit. Proper length and width to fit your feet. Watch for excessive wear. The average sneaker only last six months or 500 miles.
• Socks: synthetic running socks work well at wicking moisture away from the feet (blends of acrylic, polypropylene, coolmax fabric). IE Adidas clima cool socks. Double layer socks also work well in wicking moisture and decreasing friction because the friction occurs between the layers of sock and not your skin, e.g., wright sock double layer. The military recommends wearing a thin synthetic blend sock as a liner over boot socks which are made up of wool polyester blend. Padded socks for friction. Remember when getting fitted with shoes; wear the socks you plan on using.
• Topical lubricants can be used on hot spots – areas of increased friction, e.g., sports ointment, Vaseline aquaphore.
• Moleskin can be used on hot spots.

Treatment

• If you followed all the precautions and still got a blister leave it alone. The fluid is sterile. Pad it off with adhesive foam donut on the weight bearing area.
• If the blister is painful seek medical attention for treatment.

If you are diabetic, have impaired circulation or are immune compromised and see a blister go to your doctor or nearest ER immediately. Blister on the foot in these patients can lead to ulceration and possibly amputation.

*For products to prevent and treat blisters we recommend footsupplystore.com

*To make an appointment with one of our physicians please call our office (numbers below) or fill out the contact form and we will contact you.