Blisters on the feet, causes and treatments

A minor injury, but very disabling, blisters are common among athletes and... people wearing new shoes !

What are the causes of developing a blister? How can they be treated ?

This is what we are going to address in this article.

What is a light bulb ?

To explain this, we first need to define the dermis and the epidermis:

• The epidermis, It is the superficial part of your skin. The one you can see and touch.
• The dermis, It is the part located under the epidermis.

When a blister appears, a small pocket filled with serous fluid forms between these two layers. A defense mechanism that protects injured tissues. under the light bulb. The appearance of a light bulb therefore serves To protect the dermis, in order to minimize damage to your skin.

How do blisters form ?

A blister is the result of intense and repeated friction against the skin. This is why they often appear during sports activities or when wearing shoes that are too small or too rigid. Moisture, heat, and the presence of foreign bodies increase friction and worsen the situation.

What are the basic tips to prevent blisters on the feet ?

• Avoid long walks with new shoes: Before wearing your new shoes daily, wear them several times for short periods to break them in. These short outings will allow them to adapt to the shape of your foot and your walking style. It will also be an opportunity to identify any potential friction issues., and to remedy them before wearing them for long periods of time. You can also test the pairs of socks that are most suitable for your shoes, and if necessary, the most comfortable lacing.
• Tie your shoes optimally: A good lacing of the shoes is all the more important as it allows your foot to be effectively supported, thus reducing friction that causes blisters. It should neither be too tight nor too loose: It is important to stabilize the entire foot to limit friction and overheating. but it is important not to impede blood circulation. Lastly, pay attention to your sensations throughout the day: readjust the lacing when you feel the need.
• Choose the right shoe size: This is essential for preventing blisters. Indeed, if your shoes are too big, even slightly, your foot will "float" inside them as you walk. This inevitably leads to friction, causing blisters on the heel or toes. If the shoe model you have chosen does not offer the size that fits your foot perfectly and you are between two sizes, It is possible to add an insole to reduce the shoe size.
• Opt for a high-quality pair of socks: Socks are the direct interface between your skin and your shoes. That's why they are one of the best ways to prevent blisters. Therefore, choose them with as much care as your shoes, following a few criteria such as:
  
  - The materials I'm sorry, but it seems like your message is incomplete. Can you please provide me with the text you would like me to translate from French to English? It must be resistant to abrasion and wick moisture. Note that synthetic materials are known for wicking moisture and drying quickly, while wool will retain your body heat and keep you warm. To learn more about this topic, read this article "What composition should you prioritize when choosing your socks ?It seems that your message is incomplete. Could you please provide more context or the complete text you would like me to translate from French to English?
  - The thickness: the space in your shoe is limited. A sock that is too thick will compress your foot. A sock that is too thin will result in A foot that "moves around" in the shoe and therefore causes repeated friction.
  - The design: Reinforced areas should protect the toes, ankles (malleoli), and heels.

About socks, let's immediately dispel some old beliefs!

• By layering two pairs of socks, I would better protect myself from blisters. On the contrary, you will get the same result as with socks that are too thick: pressure points may be created in certain areas and increase the risk of blisters due to friction. Your blood circulation will also be reduced as a result.
• Double-layer socks are the only remedy against blisters... Although it is a good alternative, it is false! They are not mandatory. Good quality socks will perfectly fulfill this protective role.

Blister bandages

If you have implemented all the previous precautionary measures but to no avail, you can apply preventive blister plasters on your feet. Apply them to the areas where your blisters usually appear. This type of plaster, in the form of a cushion, helps cushion the pressure and reduce friction.

Too late, is the blister there? Let's now discover how to effectively treat a blister, using some grandmother's recipes... or not !

How to treat a blister ?

It all depends on its appearance. Indeed, there are several levels of severity and the measures are different in each case.

Do you need to pop a blister ?

• Simple redness in the friction area: Apply a blister prevention bandage.
• The bulb is small and closed: Do not damage the blister. Cover it with a bandage without compressing it. Remove the bandage at night to let it dry.
• The lightbulb is large and closed, but painful: In this case, and only if it is painful, it is useful to pierce the blister. To pierce it under the best conditions, follow the following steps:
  - Wash your hands with soap
  - Sterilize a needle with a disinfectant product or by heating it strongly.
  - Gently pierce the edge of the bulb in one or two spots.
  - Press gently on it to drain the liquid without damaging it (do not remove the dead skin covering it as it acts as a natural bandage).
  - Disinfect the area with a suitable disinfectant
  - Apply a sterile bandage without compressing the blister
  - Remove the bandage at night to allow the blister to dry
  - Change the dressing as soon as it is wet.
  
  
• The bulb is broken, and the skin is raw: Above all, do not peel off or cut the dead skin! Gently clean the area of skin where the blister is located with water and soap, or with an antiseptic solution. Apply a sterile bandage without compressing the wound. Also, remove the bandage at night to allow the blister to dry, and change the bandage as soon as it becomes wet.

Attention, if you show signs of an infection (red, swollen, and painful area around the blister associated with pus drainage and fever), or if you have conditions such as diabetes, lower limb arteritis, or if you are immunocompromised, We advise you to consult a doctor.

Are there any "grandma's remedies" to treat blisters ?

Good news, yes! You can use these remedies in addition to the care and recommendations that we previously mentioned:

• Aloe Vera: This plant, known for its healing and soothing properties, helps to accelerate cellular regeneration and therefore, wound healing. Apply some Aloe Vera gel on the blister just before putting on the bandage.
• White clay and green clay: Clays, regardless of their colors, have the ability to absorb liquids and impurities from the skin. They therefore have a detoxifying function. Green clay is the most active, while white clay, richer in silica, is gentler. Applied as poultices on blisters, they help disinfect and relieve pain.
• White vinegar: It is also a good natural antiseptic. To be effective, it should be applied at least twice a day on the blister.
• The sage foot bath: Sage possesses significant healing properties. When used in a foot bath, it helps your skin regenerate more quickly. Soak sage leaves in cold water for an hour, then boil the infused water. Let it cool down, and once the water is lukewarm, soak your feet in it for about fifteen minutes.
• Essential oils: The effectiveness of essential oils is well established. However, be careful to use the appropriate oils for each situation and make sure to follow the instructions for use. Some of them are particularly recommended for treating blisters:
  - Lavender Aspic (anti-inflammatory and anti-burn)
  - True Lavender (healing and antiseptic)
  - Helichrysum It seems like you just typed "or" in French. Let me know if you need any assistance with a translation or have any questions! Immortelle (reduce swelling)
  - Rosewood (antiseptic and stimulating skin regeneration)
  - Rockrose Cistus (astringent and healing)
  - Geranium (painkiller and anti-inflammatory)
  If you do not have sufficient knowledge to treat your blisters with essential oils, consult your pharmacist. You can also find ready-to-use products based on essential oils in pharmacies.

Do you have blisters that appeared without friction ?

If there are many of them or they appear in unusual areas (eyelids, mouth...), it could be a condition such as shingles, chickenpox... If they appeared after taking medication or after contact with a product, it could be an allergy. If they appeared after sun exposure or after contact with a hot object, it could be a burn.

In any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor so that they can examine you, prescribe local care and/or an appropriate treatment, as well as additional tests if the cause cannot be determined during the consultation.

You are now an expert on blisters, how to prevent them and how to treat them !