It Just Appeared Out of Nowhere! What To Do About Blisters

Have you ever dealt with a tiny sliver that gave you a ton of discomfort? Something small in the right place can really be a pain…literally! A blister can be just that – a small little injury that can cause a lot of pain.

How did my blister happen?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for a blister to develop. Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in Troy, NY has heard often from his patients, “The blister just appeared!” Blisters are caused by friction. When poorly fitting shoes or a repetitive activity cause pressure and friction on the same area of skin, the layers of skin break and a pocket of fluid forms.

What should I do if I get a blister?

Right after a blister forms, it can be helpful to use some ice to alleviate some of the pain and swelling. As tempting as it is to want to pop a blister, it is usually best to leave it alone. The fluid inside promotes healing and an open blister puts you at risk for infection. If the blister does get punctured, applying some hydrogen peroxide can help ward off infection. Do not remove the skin over a blister, as the skin underneath is very sensitive and prone to infection. Put a bandage over the blister and use a cushioning pad or a piece of moleskin to protect the area.

What can I do to prevent a blister?

Dr. Pandya offers several easy tips to keep blisters at bay:

• Break new shoes in gradually
• Use petroleum jelly or a bandage on an area that rubs before the blister forms
• Wear socks made out of acrylic and synthetic fiber materials

Keep an eye on your feet. If a blister is painful and showing signs of being infected, come in to our podiatric office for help. This is especially important if you have poor circulation or diabetes. Call us at (518) 273-0053 to request an appointment or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.