How to Prevent Blisters

 

Lubrication

Blisters develop where rubbing from shoes and socks tears the skin. By lubricating your feet you can reduce the friction and prevent blisters.
 

Keep Your Feet Dry

Wet skin is easier to tear and form blisters, so wicking away sweat and keeping your feet dry are another key to preventing blisters. Use cornstarch in your socks or even use antiperspirant on your feet to keep them dry. But your socks are the real key. They must be of wicking fabric, not cotton, in order to get the moisture away from your skin.
 

Cover

If an area is already developing a hot spot or blister, or you know it is an area that will, then covering it with a blister pad is the best way to go. Today there are many products that do this well and provide moist protection and healing before or after a blister develops.
 

How to Treat a Blister 

(1) Swab blister area with rubbing alcohol and let air dry.

(2) Sterilize a needle for 10 seconds in a flame.

(3) Puncture the edge of the blister near the skin.

(4) Apply gentle pressure to squeeze out fluid.

(5) Do not remove or rub off the top of the blister.

(6) Apply antibiotic ointment, but avoid alcohol or iodine.

(7) Cover with sterile gauze or bandage

(8) Discard needle into sturdy plastic or metal container.

(9) Change the gauze or bandage daily.

 

Tips

(a) Don't burn yourself in the flame - hold the needle in a tweezers or with a glove or potholder on your hand.

(b) Sterile blister prickers are a good tool.

(c) Small blisters do not need draining, just protect them and they will shrink and disappear.