Proper Treatment of a Blister

Now that it is summer, you may be changing your activities and shoes. With the nice warm weather and clear roads you may find yourself going on hikes or exercising outside more often. Along with the warm weather we tend to shed our sturdy, comfortable, and supporting boots and shoes for flats, sandals, and flip flops. Which ever the case, you may find yourself developing blisters on your feet at some point this summer. Blisters caused by rubbing of shoes often does not need to be seen by a doctor, and home first aid is all that is needed. But like ticks, bee stings, and nose bleeds everyone has their own treatment whether it is to correct procedure or not. So here are some basic guidelines for proper blister care. 

Proper Blister First AID

• To prevent a blister from forming or getting worse make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and do not rub your skin. Make sure to wear multiple layers of socks when hiking. 
•  If you begin to feel a spot on your skin getting hot or sore be sure to put a band aid, duct tape, or moleskin on the irritated area to prevent the blister from getting bigger.
• Try to avoid draining a blister. This will keep it from getting infected and it will heal on its own. 
• If the blister is large or causes pain/discomfort your can drain the fluid. To drain the fluid take a needle that has been dipped in alcohol and puncture the edge of the blister. Press the fluid toward the hole and let the fluid drain out. After removing fluid wipe the area clean leaving the skin and put a protective bandage over the area. 
• If you are diabetic, have HIV, cancer, or heart disease do not drain blister due to the raised risk of infection. 
• If blister a blister becomes infected with signs and symptoms of pus, increased pain, or fever consult with a medical provider. 

For more information on Blisters follow the link to our web page: 

BYU-Idaho Student Health Center

Resources:

Health Wise (2012). "Blisters-Home Treatment". WebMD. Retrieved from 

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/blisters-home-treatment