Blisters

19 September 2017  |  Admin


                                                


Blisters are a very common occurrence on the skin of the foot and they occur when feet get hot and sweaty. Excessive pressure and shearing forces (usually caused by excessive perspiration or inappropriate footwear) cause tears within the upper layers of the skin. Fluid fills up the spaces between these layers of skin to protect the area, and this is how a blister is formed. Blisters can be quite painful.

 
Blisters can sometimes burst and become infected. When a blister leaks yellow fluid or has a red appearance, this is usually a sign that it needs medical attention. Some blisters will remain intact and these will often resorb and heal on their own. It is advised to leave a blister alone unless it is showing signs of infection.
 
Prevention of Blisters 
The most effective way of preventing blisters is to wear appropriate footwear with a wide toe area and a low heel. It is also advisable to let your feet have as much air as possible and change socks regularly to prevent heat, moisture and friction.
 
Treatment of Blisters 
Many doctors agree that a blister will heal quicker if it is left uncovered in a clean environment. Remove bandages when you're at home so your blister has a chance to breathe and dry up. To protect it from infection, apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to promote healing.

Most blisters heal naturally after three to seven days and don't require medical attention. It's important to avoid bursting the blister, because this could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process. If the blister does burst, don't peel off the dead skin.