5 Ways to Prevent a Blister

It’s hard to believe that something so small could cause such a big problem but if you’ve ever tried walking with a blister you know how excruciating the pain can be. At Weil Foot & Ankle Institute we find that most patients know what causes a blister but are not as well informed on how to prevent them.

7 Steps To Reduce Your Risk Of Painful Blisters.

1. Buy your shoes at the end of the day. Have you ever put on a pair of shoes in the morning and they feel fine but by late afternoon you’ve got a blister on your foot? That’s because our feet swell as the day goes on. You can ensure that shoes will fit the whole day by shopping when your feet are at their largest.
2. Ditch your 100% cotton socks. Moisture creates friction, which leads to blisters. Cotton socks absorb perspiration and hold it against your skin, increasing friction the longer you wear them. There are many types of moisture-wicking socks available made of blends of materials such as polyester, nylon, spandex, merino wool, and Teflon.
3. Don’t remove calluses. Calluses are your body’s way of providing natural padding that protects a vulnerable spot. If you remove a callus, a blister is likely to form in its place. You can use a pumice stone to file them down, however, if they get too large and become a source of pressure themselves.
4. Carry a piece of moleskin in your purse or pocket. Self-adhesive moleskin applied at the first sign of irritation to a spot on your foot that’s rubbing against your shoe can stop a blister in its tracks.
5. Apply moisturizer to the skin of your feet nightly. Dry skin can also lead to blisters because they can crack and create pressure points and friction. A rich, emollient cream or lotion applied to your feet before bed and covered with a pair of socks can help keep skin supple.

If, despite your best efforts, a blister does form, don’t pop it as this could lead to an infection. Allow a few days and the fluid should reabsorb. Keep the blister covered with a bandage. If it doesn’t go away or you believe it may be infected—a foul smell or pus discharge will be signed–contact our Bannockburn, Orland Park, Roselle, or any of our other 16 conveniently located offices so that our podiatrists can examine your blister and decide if any treatment is needed.