Ways to prevent blisters from shoes

All it takes is the wrong pair of shoes — a blister can leave you limping and put a serious damper on your day-to-day routine. Fortunately, you can prevent and treat friction-related blisters with just a few simple steps.

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What Are Blisters?

Blisters are pockets of fluid that form on the upper layer of your skin. They may be filled with pus, blood, or serum (a watery part of the blood). Most blisters are caused by irritation or some form of damage to the skin.

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How to Prevent Blisters

  • 1. Wear the right size shoes. Wearing shoes that are either too tight or too loose can cause rubbing and friction, leading to the formation of a blister. People with feet that are especially wide or narrow should pay close attention to the footwear they select.
  • 2. Keep your feet dry, and wear socks that absorb and wick away sweat. Moisture softens skin and makes it more susceptible to friction.
  • 3. Try wearing bandages in spots where rubbing takes place, including the toes, heels, or even along your thighs. Place a soft bandage or doughnut-shaped moleskin pad to serve as a barrier against friction.
  • 4. Rub a small amount of petroleum jelly in friction-prone spots. The lubrication minimizes friction and prevents blisters from forming.
  • 5. If you feel sore in a particular spot, stop what you are doing.

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How to Treat a Blister

Blisters can take up to two weeks to heal. If possible, try to avoid the activity that gave you the blister in the first place until it has gone away. If a particular pair of shoes irritated your feet, try sporting a different pair, for example.

  • 1. Keep a bandage on the blister. Pad areas where there is pressure or friction, such as the bottom of your feet or between your toes.
  • 2. Always keep the area clean and covered.
  • 3. Do not pop blisters, as this can cause infections. If your blister bubbles, is painful, or you feel you need to drain it, sterilize a small needle using rubbing alcohol. Pierce the edge of the blister so fluid can drain. Remember that your skin serves as a barrier against irritation, so do not peel the skin off the top of the blister.
  • 4. In some cases, blisters may require medical treatment. Reach out to a medical professional if you notice redness, pus, or blood coming from the blister, or experience pain, swelling, or a fever in conjunction to a blister

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .

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