Sandal season is almost here. New shoes can mean new hot spots and blisters on your feet and toes. The best predictor of a blister is an area that has previously blistered.
Once a blister develops, it can be very tempting to pop it. If the blister is intact and not painful we recommend leaving it alone. Foot and toe blisters can be prone to infection due to sweating and bacteria lurking in our shoes. 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.
If the blister is tense and painful, you may pop it with a sterile safety pin. Popping the blister carefully and leaving the roof intact 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 in 1 or 2 places where it meets the skin,
Drain the blister, pat dry
Leave the roof of the blister intact
Apply antibiotic ointment and fabric non adherent bandage to the area.
Change the dressing daily until it has healed.
If you have a compromised immune system, diabetes or poor circlution DO NOT drain the blister yourself. It is best to have a podiatrist do it for you to decrease your risk of infection.
If you have a history of blisters we recommend silicone tape to the areas to decrease friction and heat. Our favorite tape is Sore Spot Silicone Tape.
If you need help treating a blister or worried about an infection we can help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
