Foot Care – Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are fluid-filled sacs with a thin layer of almost transparent skin.

They can be caused by friction, repeated pressure on skin areas, or extremes in temperature (either hot or cold).

Blisters can be filled with either a watery fluid or blood. If they are filled with a thick and colored substance, pus, then they are not blisters but abscesses, indicating an infection.

Because abscesses are infections, they can be dangerous if not properly treated and must be treated immediately by a doctor; otherwise, the infection may worsen.

Blisters can also be dangerous if they form in diabetics, people with poor circulation or decreased feeling in their feet, those with compromised immune systems, and those with other serious diseases.

These people should contact their doctors at the first sign of blister formation.

If you are healthy, try the following suggestions to treat a blister.

However, if the area becomes inflamed, very painful, or pus is present, see a podiatrist immediately.

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Self-treatment must begin when you first notice the blister.

1. Wash the blister and surrounding area with soap and water. You must keep the area clean.

2. Blisters should not be opened or broken unless very painful or in an area with continued shoe pressure, which will break the blister while walking.

If the blister is left intact, it is less likely to become infected. To protect a blister or sensitive skin area, order a blister guard. This is truly a space-age medical miracle product. It is a soft, thin protective gel that helps to reduce friction against sensitive skin.

Each gel pad is reusable, making it a very effective and economical product.

If it becomes necessary to open the blister, then follow these suggestions:

3. Cleanse the blister with alcohol.

4. Sterilize a clean sewing needle or small scissors by carefully heating the tip with a flame. If this is impossible, soak the needle in alcohol to cleanse it, but this will not sterilize it.

5. Carefully make a small hole in the blister. Do not insert the needle deeply, just enough to go through the top covering of the blister. You do not want to go so deep that you go through the entire blister and into the underlying tissue.

DO NOT cut away the skin covering the blister; open the blister.

Leaving the top cover of the blister intact helps to prevent infection.

6. The trapped fluid will begin to ooze out. Gently squeeze out as much of this fluid as you can. Doing this should relieve the pressure, and it should feel less painful.

7. Soak the foot and blister to draw out the clear fluid and to keep it clean. To one quart of lukewarm warm water (not hot), add one teaspoon of Epsom Salt and soak for 10 minutes.

Do this 2 or 3 times a day. Carefully pat the area dry with a clean cloth or Kleenex.

8. Apply a Triple Antibiotic Ointment to the blister, such as Neosporin or one recommended by your pharmacist. Cover with gauze and tape.

Please do not use a band-aid, as they do not absorb the blister fluid.

9. Keep all pressure off of the blister while it is healing. This is important because the blister will not heal if any pressure is applied.

Wear shoes made of a very soft material or sandals. If there is still pressure on the blister, order an injury shoe.

These are designed to apply minimal pressure to the foot’s skin and prevent the foot from bending and further irritating tender, blistered areas. This shoe will decrease healing time and pain.

Blister Prevention

Blister prevention is easy.

Following these suggestions should eliminate most blisters due to excessive pressure and friction.

1. Your shoes must fit properly and must be comfortable. The wrong-sized shoe is the most common cause of blisters.

2. Make sure the inside lining and innersole show no wear. Worn areas inside the shoe can easily cause blisters.

3. Wear socks that fit you properly. Holes in socks cause blisters.

4. Protect your toes or feet with a blister guard if you have bony protrusions or sensitive skin areas. This soft, thin protective gel helps to reduce friction against sensitive skin. Each gel pad is reusable, making it a very effective and economical product.

5. The back of the heel is very difficult to protect from pressure and friction. With an Achilles heel guard, the back of the heel is protected with a soft conforming gel pad, held comfortably in place with a soft elastic sleeve.

Protects the entire back of the heel and lower portion of the Achilles Tendon.

6. Recurring foot blisters are usually due to abnormal foot structures or gait patterns. Flat feet, feet with very high arches, bunions, and pronation (a rolling out of the feet so that when you walk, you apply excessive force to the inner side of your feet), are all foot problems that can be successfully treated with custom-made orthotics.

Good orthotics will relieve the pain caused by structural foot defects and stop blister formation.

Blister Guards
These thin yet durable gel cushions comfortably protect blisters, areas of irritated skin, lacerations, and other lesions.

They are made of a space-age medical material that sticks to the skin without adhesives and can be reused many times (remove them at night, wash them with soap and water, allow them to dry, and reapply them to the tender area in the morning).

If rubbing, pressure, or friction are causing you problems, this product will help you.
Each sheet of Blister Guard can be cut to smaller sizes to fit the painful area.

Medical-Surgical Shoe
A specially designed, rigid-sole shoe that podiatrists and orthopedic specialists prescribe to reduce pressure and friction on the foot. Its top and sides are made of a soft material that encases the foot and keeps all pressure off of it.

The foot is held in place by velcro straps. The sole is a rigid but comfortable material to prevent the foot and toes from bending as you walk.

If you have fractured bones, dislocated joints, bruised toes or toenails, lacerations, blisters, or sensitive skin areas, order this shoe to speed healing and reduce pain.

Achilles Heel Guard
Podiatrists and orthopedic specialists use this product more than any other to comfortably protect the back of the heel and the lower portion of the

Achilles Tendon from shoe pressure and friction. It is the only product that protects these areas without slipping. It comprises a comfortable elastic sleeve with a long-lasting gel cushion designed to absorb pressure and friction rather than allowing these forces to “work” on the skin and soft tissue.

The gel cushion is thin enough to fit in any shoe, yet it is durable and will provide comfort for many months. The entire guard is washable, including the gel cushion.

The circumference of your ankle determines size. This is measured with a tape measure placed around the ankle.

Foot Blisters FAQs

1. What causes foot blisters?

Foot blisters are typically caused by friction, often from tight or ill-fitting shoes rubbing against the skin. Additionally, extreme heat or cold, burns, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions can also lead to blisters.

2. How can I prevent foot blisters?

To prevent foot blisters, ensure your shoes fit properly — they shouldn’t be too tight or loose. Wearing moisture-wicking socks can help keep your feet dry and reduce friction. Also, consider using padding or bandages in areas where your shoes might rub.

3. Are foot blisters serious?

Most foot blisters aren’t serious and will heal independently with proper care. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if a blister becomes infected — indicated by redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain.

4. How should I treat a blister?

Clean the area carefully with mild soap and water, then cover the blister with a sterile bandage or plaster to protect it from further damage. Avoid popping the blister as this can increase the risk of infection.

5. When should I see a doctor for a blister?

If you have diabetes or poor circulation, any foot lesion requires immediate medical attention. For others without these conditions but with an infected blister (redness around the area, pus drainage), seeing a healthcare professional is recommended.

Note: This information is only a general guide and isn’t intended as professional healthcare advice.