Everything You Need To Know About Blisters
Summertime, the sweltering weather, new shoes and sandals are all extremely attractive for blisters. However, it would be a lie to say you have never had a blister at some point within your life, meaning pretty much everyone is aware of how uncomfortable and sore they can be. So, this blog will provide everything you need to know about blisters and how they can be prevented!
What are blisters?
Blisters are small pockets of clear fluid, usually underneath the skin. They are caused mainly by friction, burns, skin reactions and form to protect and help heal damaged skin cells. You can also get blood blisters. These formed due to damaged blood vessels in the skin; opposite to clear fluid, these are filled with blood and are typically found on any area of the foot or leg.
What is the cause of a blister?
Most of the time, how long a blister will last vastly depends on the cause. They can stay with from a couple of days to a few weeks or even months.
Allergies
This is usually through touching something poisonous, such as poison ivy. It is known as allergic contact dermatitis.
Infections
Depending on the infection, blisters are not limited to the feet and legs and have been known to spread across the entire body. Viruses such as chickenpox and shingles can cause this.
Irritations
It is vital you put plenty of sunscreen on your feet and legs as intense temperatures lead to sunburn, therefore, leading to blisters. Furthermore, blisters can be caused by the friction of shoes rubbing against your feet.
Skin conditions
Dermatitis and other less common skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa cause blistering on the skin, which can often be exceedingly uncomfortable.
How can blisters be prevented?
There are various ways of preventing a blister, here’s how:
Apply generous amounts of talc on your feet to help reduce and absorb moisture levels.
Avoid direct sunlight; this diminishes your chances of blisters developing in the heat.
Ensure you wear well-fitted shoes that are comfortable to deter friction on the foot.
To further reduce friction, wear socks that will absorb sweat.
We have a full blog post on how to prevent blisters here.
How can blisters be treated?
Never attempt to pop a blister; it is wise to leave them be to go on their own. As stated above, blisters are there to protect the underlying skin; therefore, breaking the skin is an open invitation to infection.
You should cover your blisters with a dressing or a plaster and allow them to heal completely. You can purchase blister plasters; however, you must be highly delicate when removing them as if they are taken away too early, it can result in pulling the skin away along with the plaster. If your blister does burst, you should clean it with a saline solution and dress as above.
Finally, if your blister is huge and painful, it always best to consult with a podiatrist. They are able to lance and drain it properly and provide further aftercare advice.