Treating Blisters

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Foot blisters occur when socks stick to wet or sweaty skin of the feet. Which then rubs against the walls of the shoes or boots. This causes the outer layers of the skin separate from the inner layers of skin, the space or void then fills with lymph fluid.

Foot blisters will usually heal on their own. The lymph fluid is reabsorbed back into the body. Sometimes blisters will pop by themselves, this when they become infected. When the appearence of red lines, yellow coloured fluid around the blister or redness, seek medical attention.

The first signs of a blister developing is redness over the area rubbing, this can be on the instep, heel or toes. The redness starts to balloon and fills with lymph fluid.

Blisters can be self-medicated by applying a skin dressing or plaster and tape over the blister. Petroleum jelly can help relieve the pain. It is adised not to pop the blister especially with blood in it, this would cause more infection in it. Create a small hole at edge of the blister with sterilized needle, draining the fluid and still leaving the skin intact. leaving the skin on serves as a protective layer and helps against further infection. Always wipe around the area with an antispectic wipe.

To harden the skin on the feet to reduce the chance of blistering soak cotton wool pad in surgical spirit and wipe it on your feet, a week or two.