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Blisters can be one of an athlete’s worst nightmares. The liquid-filled bubbles can range from itchy to extremely painful, and at their worst they can prevent you from taking part in your favorite sport. Runners are especially prone to blisters, which form with agitation caused by friction, dirt, and high temperatures. Although other conditions may also cause blisters, these irritations are the most common causes among athletes.
Whether you’re currently battling a bout of blisters or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, Sneaker Report presents Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Blisters: How to Prevent, Treat, and Heal.
[Photos via WikiHow]
Riley Jones is a freelance writer from Charlottesville, VA and contributor to Sneaker Report. With an unshakable affinity for basketball and all things ’90s, he can be found on Twitter @rchrstphr.
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Prevention
One of the most important preventative steps you can take to avoid blisters it to select a pair of sneakers that properly fits you and invest in a comfortable pair of athletic socks. The right shoes and socks will help to pad and cushion vulnerable areas and wick sweat away to prevent friction. The keys here are breathability, cushioning, and sweat-wicking, so look for those features when you’re gearing up. Also, if a new pair of sneakers seems to be causing irritation, you may want to opt for a more broken-in pair and wear your new pair less frequently until they’re more adjusted to your foot.
Spenco’s 2nd Skin Blister Kit is also recommended for blister treatment and management.
Treatment
So you’ve already got a blister? No worries, they’re relatively easy to treat. Start by cleaning the area thoroughly with warm water and soap. Next, apply a bandage over the area to prevent it from breaking open and becoming infected. Be sure to give the affected area time to heal before returning to serious exercise.
If the blister is too large or painful to manage, another option for treatment is to burst it with a sterilized needle. This should be considered a last resort method, as it can increase the likelihood of infection. However, if you properly clean the area, use a sterilized needle, and disinfect afterwards, you’ll be able to wrap it in gauze for a quick treatment. Be sure to remove the gauze periodically to allow the blister air to heal.
Healing
If a blister pops, there’s no need to panic. Wash the area as soon as possible with warm water and soap, but avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine. Smooth out the remaining skin and apply an antibiotic such as Neosporin, then cover with a bandage, allowing room for the injury to breathe. From there, be sure to change the bandage on a daily basis or anytime it becomes wet. If the blister becomes worse, see a doctor immediately.
