Whether you bike, run or hike, you know foot blisters can be unfortunate for being active. But thankfully, they do not mean your adventure has to end! Friction is usually the cause of blisters on the feet and does not require medical attention. These skin irritations can occur anywhere on the body where body parts rub together or against clothing. Fortunately, you can prevent blisters by preventing chafing. To stop them before they appear, at Feet First Foot Care, we recommend taking precautions if you know you're going to do a lot of walking, running, or other physical activity and always keep an eye on your skin. 

Preventing Blisters

While blisters can have many causes, the most common reason is friction. The best way to deal with them? Avoid them in the first place. To prevent blisters, break in new shoes slowly. Be sure to wash and dry your feet daily to prevent bacterial infections, such as Athlete's Foot.

To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends the following tips:

  1. Protect your feet. To prevent blisters on your feet, wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesn’t help, try wearing two pairs to protect your skin. You should also make sure your shoes fit correctly. Shoes shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
  2. Wear the right clothing. During physical activity, wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid clothes made of cotton, as cotton soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing.
  3. Consider soft bandages. Consider using adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages for problem areas, such as the feet or thighs. Make sure you securely apply the bandages.
  4. Apply powder or petroleum jelly to problem areas. It helps reduce friction when your skin rubs together or rubs against clothing.
  5. Stop your activity immediately if you experience any discomfort or if your skin turns red. Otherwise, you may get a blister.

If You Do Get a Blister

You can soothe ordinary blisters with vitamin E ointment or an aloe-based cream at home. Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. If you have to pop a blister, use a sterilized needle or razor blade. Wash the area thoroughly, make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid. Apply a dab of hydrogen peroxide to help prevent infection. Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath is a natural protective cover. Cover the area with a bandage and mild compression.

When To Seek Medical Attention

As your blister heals, watch for signs of an infection. If you notice any redness, pus, or increased pain or swelling, these are signs of infection. We recommend seeking medical attention. To schedule an appointment at our Cromwell, Connecticut office with the board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, please call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

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162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416