Having a blister on your foot is painful, especially on the sole, which makes it very difficult for you to walk. This article provides information about how to treat blisters on feet.
Blisters are a kind of a defense mechanism of the human body, wherein the outer layer of the skin separates form the inner layer. A clear fluid which is also called the serum collects between these two layers and remains so, until the outer layer of the skin develops from within. Sometimes, instead of the clear fluid, blood might also get collected. The blisters are usually formed if your skin undergoes some sort of a chemical or physical injury.
Causes
Following are the causes for the formation of blisters on foot:
- One of the main causes is allergy. People might be allergic to certain medications, chemicals, or plants, and when they come in contact with such allergens, blisters are formed.
- Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes which exert too much pressure on the foot skin often leads to this problem.
- Extreme heat or cold is also another reason for this condition.
- Some sort of an infection can also lead to blisters not only on the foot, but also anywhere on the body.
How to Treat Blisters on Feet
Small Or Not So Painful Blister
Usually this blister does not need any treatment. Your skin serves as a sterile protective bandage for it to heal on its own. Therefore, it is better to leave it untouched, and avoid those activities which triggered this condition. Also, you may apply a moleskin bandage around the affected area to prevent it from further irritation.
Large Or Painful Blister
Such a blister needs to be popped, and the fluid drained out for instant pain relief. The following steps need to be performed for this purpose:
- First of all, wash your hands with an antiseptic soap.
- Wash the area around the blister with betadine solution.
- Dip a needle in rubbing alcohol for a few minutes to sterilize it.
- Now, use the needle to gently puncture the blister at its base.
- Apply gentle pressure with your fingers to slowly drain out the serum. Be careful that you do not hurt yourself while doing this.
- Apply a doughnut-shaped moleskin bandage to protect the blister from further irritation.
- Keep a check for any symptoms of infection.
Do not prick a blister if you are affected by any of the following medical conditions for the fear of contracting an infection:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- AIDS
Popped Blister
- Wash the affected area using an antiseptic soap.
- Remove any loose skin with a sterilized blade, only if it has become dirty.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment over the open blister, and cover the area lightly with a gauze.
- Change the gauze daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty; however, remove it at night to let the wound dry.
- Monitor the wound for any symptoms of infection.
Once the wound heals, the outer layer of the skin will dry up and come out of its own. Therefore, avoid pulling off the dry skin. However, if the wound does not heal and shows signs of infections like the skin turning red, drainage of pus, fever, or increased pain or swelling, then consult your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
