Got Blisters? Here Are the Answers.
Painful blisters on the foot can quickly put a damper on vacation plans, exercising, or even everyday errands — but there are steps you can take to help them heal as quickly as possible.
Fox News Digital reached out to two podiatrists for professional advice, including treating existing blisters and preventing future ones.
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What causes blisters on the feet?
In most cases, blisters on the feet are caused by poorly fitting shoes, but they can also be the result of medical conditions.
Painful foot blisters can quickly put a damper on vacation plans, sports, or even daily errands. However, there are steps you can take to help them heal as quickly as possible. (iStock)
According to Dr. Alex Kor, a podiatrist at Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Indiana, excessive friction is the most common cause.
This can be caused by increased activity over a short period of time, often from wearing new shoes that haven't been broken in yet, the doctor told Fox News Digital.
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Blisters can also develop when a bone pressure point, such as a bunion, experiences too much friction from a new shoe or from excessive activity in a short period of time.
Other possible causes include wearing worn-out socks, wearing worn-out socks or wearing the wrong shoes that don't relieve the source of pressure, Kor warned.
According to a podiatrist, excessive friction is the most common cause of blisters. (iStock)
Some medical problems can also cause blisters.
“Depending on the patient's medical condition, conditions such as diabetes and neuropathy could be the cause,” Kor told Fox News Digital.
“Regardless of the reason for the blister, patients with poor blood supply to the feet, diabetes or neuropathy “You should consider seeing a podiatrist.”
Ways to Treat a Blister on Foot
If you get a blister on your foot, you can speed up the healing process by keeping the foot clean, experts say.
“It is highly recommended to clean the blister daily with soapy water, dry the area and cover it with a bandage,” says Kor.
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According to the doctor, it is not a good idea to skip the bandage and give the area time to 'get some air'.
If the blister on your foot was caused by friction, Kor recommends avoiding the shoes or activity that caused the problem.
“It is highly recommended to clean the blister daily with soapy water, dry the area and cover it with a bandage,” a podiatrist said. (iStock)
If a blister is accompanied by itching, there is a good chance that a fungus is the culprit, says Kor.
“A current freely available antifungal cream or ointment “If the fungus is on the top, bottom or side of the foot, an antifungal powder is recommended. If the blister is between the toes, an antifungal powder is recommended,” he advised.
When should you seek medical help?
According to Kor, patients should see a doctor if they have poor blood flow to the feet, diabetes, neuropathy or a history of previous amputations.
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Also, if the blisters are accompanied by chills, fever, night sweats and/or red streaks from the area, you should see a doctor. These could be signs of an infection.
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You should also call a doctor if the blister has pus or yellow discharge; if the surrounding skin is red, warm and swollen; or if the blister was caused by sunburn or frostbite, says Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Preventing Blisters During Summer Travel
If you're traveling in the summer and plan to visit amusement parks, hike or do other types of walking, good foot care is essential to prevent blisters, experts agree.
“It is also important to carry a first aid kit with you during your trip to treat any bleeding or pain, including topical antibiotics, gauze, tape and bandages,” one expert advises. (iStock)
“To prevent blisters during summer travel“It's important to wear proper fitting shoes or sandals,” Tulpule told Fox News Digital.
“I always tell my patients to go to a shoe store or running store and find the right length and width. And to always break in new shoes three to four weeks before traveling.”
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To further protect the feet, Tulpule recommended padding the shoes with moleskin or attaching the padding to the skin with tape to prevent friction.
“It is also important to carry a first aid kit with you during your trip to treat any bleeding or pain, including topical antibiotics, gauze, tape and bandages,” she added.
