Warmer weather means vacation. I recently went to Key West and was looking forward to wearing my new Teva sandals and slip-on shoes without socks, and I was confident I could wear them without a problem. On the first day of vacation, I felt a hot sensation on my right little toe and knew I was in trouble. Sure enough, I had a fluid-filled blister on the bottom of my toe.
What Causes a Blister?
Friction and rubbing over a short period can cause a blister. The superficial layers of skin separate from the deeper layers filling with fluid. It is the body's way of protecting itself. It was because I was wearing new shoes and sandals without socks. My feet were a little bit swollen and damp from the Florida heat. I also have a Tailor's bunion, and my little toe is rotated and rubbed on the shoe and the toe next to it.
What can you do to Prevent a Blister?
Wear new sandals and shoes around the house for a few days before going on vacation to identify hot spots. Products like a gel cushion or moleskin can help pad the back of your heels, and Vaseline or Body Glide is an excellent alternative to bony prominences to reduce friction. Avoid cotton socks and choose moisture-wicking socks. If your feet sweat, a little powder like Gold Bond or Zeasorb powder can decrease moisture.
How to Treat a Blister
Once a blister develops, it can be very tempting to pop it. I left mine alone. Most blisters resolve in 1-2 weeks, provided you stop wearing the shoes that caused it. New skin will develop underneath the blister. If the blister does pop on its own, it is vital to wash the area with soap and water daily. Apply a topical antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage until the area has healed. The ointment will keep the site moist, decrease friction and reduce the risk of infection.
How to Safely Pop a Blister
If the blister is tense and painful, you may pop it with a sterile safety pin. Popping the blister carefully will decrease the risk of infection.
Wash the blister and your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Wipe a safety pin with rubbing alcohol for 20 seconds
Pop the blister at its edge, where it meets the skin.
Drain the blister, pat dry
Leave the roof of the blister intact
Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage to the area.
Change the dressing daily until it has healed.
Sandals are great for short walks and more extended hikes. Sneakers with a mesh toe box and moisture-wicking socks work best. Thankfully, I packed some antibiotic ointment, my Brooks sneakers, and Copper Cloud Socks and was able to continue my vacation pain-free.
If you don't have the supplies to pop the blister, it is best to have a professional do it. Redness, pain, drainage, and increased heat surrounding the blister are signs you may have an infection and need immediate medical attention.
If you have any questions, Dr. Michele Kurlanski is here to help. We can evaluate your feet and recommend proper foot care and what shoes to wear. Same-day appointments are now available! Call us today at (207) 774-0028 to schedule your next appointment at our location in Scarborough, Maine!
