If you’re ever gone for a run in a new pair of shoes or danced the night away in an uncomfortable set of loafers, you’ve probably woken up the next day with a blister or two on your feet. Usually these formations are small and almost unnoticeable, but if you were really rough on your feet, these blisters can grow in size and become uncomfortable. Today, we look at the best way to treat these blisters.
Blister Care
Blisters occur from friction. Basically, a blister develops when you’ve rubbed or burnt your skin to such a degree that there is tearing of the top layer of skin from a deeper layer. If you ask the internet, the jury is still out on whether or not you should pop that blister. Here’s my take on whether or not you should pop a blister.
I don’t believe in putting a needle inside a blister without removing the entire blister. I recommend that if the blister is clear, leave it alone until it heals or it pops on its own. That said, if the blister is bloody, you should take action. Typically you can drain the blister by using a sterilized needle to open a hole and then tearing the dead skin away, which usually isn’t very painful. Once the blister is removed, apply an antibiotic cream for a day or two as the skin underneath the blister is raw.
The difference between the two blisters is key. The blister with clear fluid is a superficial injury. The blister with bloody fluid is a much deeper injury. The blood has a much higher chance of getting an infection, which is why I typically recommend removing it.
Finally, it’s important to prevent recurrent injury to the skin. If you’re prone to blister development in certain areas of your feet, try to keep that area protected, either with bandages, an extra pair of dry socks or a new set of running shoes.
