We have all had them: those painful and annoying bubbles that appear after taking a long walk in ill-fitting shoes.
At some point most people will experiencing the annoyance of having a blister appear on their feet –usually at the most inconvenient times. Even if you wear good shoes, there’s still a chance that something will rub you wrong, and you will inevitably end up with an annoying blister –just waiting to ruin your day.
To help you better understand blisters and how to avoid them –here are some things to keep in mind.
What Is a Blister?
Sure, you know what a blister looks like but do you know what it really is? A blister isn’t just a red circle that appears and causes pain –a blister is the result of friction that causes a separation of the upper layers of skin. When this happens, fluid –or serum, collects under the damaged skin, and a blister is formed.
Causes of a Blister
While blisters can be caused by heat, cold, contact with chemicals, or from medical conditions, they are commonly caused by friction –which can happen, for instance, when you wear poor-fitting shoes. To prevent blisters from forming on your feet be sure to wear comfortable well-fitting shoes, and try to keep your feet dry.
Treatment of Blisters
While blisters aren’t usually dangerous –they are painful and can cause discomfort. The good news though, is that they don’t last long. Most blisters heal naturally in about three to seven days. It’s important to let the blister heal on its own, and to avoid bursting it. In some cases, this can lead to an infection. Allow the fluid in the blister to drain on its own and cover it with a clean bandage to prevent infection.
For more information on foot health contact Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.
Tags: blisters, Foot Care, Prevention