Blisters can vary in size considerably, but even a small blister can become painfully irritated and possibly infected, especially in patients who have diabetes. Blisters are caused by a combination of heat, moisture, and rubbing that occurs with your footwear. Minimizing these factors can go a long way to blister prevention.
Some tips to help treat and prevent blisters include the following:
- The correct shoes and socks—Poorly-fitting shoes that are either too loose or too tight can cause blistering on your feet. Have your feet measured and properly fitted and wear moisture wicking socks. A liner sock can also be worn to minimize friction and rubbing against your footwear.
- Treat hot spots—These hot spots are where you repeatedly get blisters. They can be minimized by using padding and Band-Aids. Custom orthotic inserts can redirect pressure and isolate parts of the foot that are blistering repeatedly.
- Early detection and remediation—Try not to pop blisters since that tends to disrupt the protective layer of skin. Carefully drain the fluid out of the blister by inserting a sterilized needle in the edge of the blister and slowly squeezing out the fluid into a cotton ball or tissue. Treat with antimicrobial ointment and cover with a Band-Aid. Be sure to trace the source of the irritation and take steps to remove it.
If you frequently get blisters on your feet or if a blister looks infected, see your podiatrist right away. The foot specialists at ETL Podiatry in Briarwood and Melville, NY have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle problems. Our team of doctors is dedicated to serving you with all of the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Melville, NY (631)-549-8637 and Briarwood, NY (718)-657-8921.
