Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned runner, chances are you’ve experienced the occasional blister. But don’t let these pesky irritations stop you from hitting the pavement! With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your feet happy and blister-free.
What are blisters?
Blisters are a type of wound that can occur when the skin is damaged. They are most commonly caused by friction but can also be caused by burns, chemicals, or other types of injuries. Blisters typically form on the hands, feet, and lips.
Blisters can range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. Most blisters will eventually heal on their own without any medical treatment; however, some may become infected and require antibiotics.
Blisters that cover large areas of the body or are deep can trap fluid under the skin. If these blisters break open or leak, the fluid under the skin could become infected.
Causes of blisters
There are many different causes of blisters, but the most common cause is friction. When your skin rubs against something, it can create a small amount of damage. This damage can cause fluid to build up under the surface of your skin, and this is what we know as a blister. While sometimes blisters can be painful, they usually aren’t serious and will go away on their own.
Preventing blisters
There’s nothing worse than hot, sweaty summer days spent hobbling around with blisters. But there are a few simple things you can do to prevent them:
- Wear well-fitting shoes. This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to ensure your shoes aren’t too tight or too loose.
- Wear socks that fit well and wick away moisture. Blisters are more likely to form when your feet are sweaty, so it’s important to keep them as dry as possible.
- Taping can prevent friction from your shoe rubbing against your blister and causing more damage.
- Use moleskin or a blister gaiter. Moleskin is a soft pad that sticks to your skin and protects it from rubbing against the inside of your shoe. A gaiter is a long, open-ended sleeve typically made of fabric. It’s worn over tights and acts as a protective barrier between your shoe and your foot.
Treating blisters
If you do get a blister, don’t pop it! Poping it will only make it worse and increase the chances of infection. Instead, apply antibiotic ointment, cover it with a blister plaster, and leave it alone.
As always, if the blister lasts more than two weeks, contact a podiatrist. A podiatrist will be able to make sure that the blister hasn’t become infected and provide you with the best advice on dealing with your blister.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.