From the Guidelines
The treatment for foot blisters involves keeping the blister intact if possible, as the skin provides a natural barrier against infection, and wearing properly fitting shoes to minimize friction, as recommended by the British Journal of Dermatology 1. To manage foot blisters, it is essential to clean the area gently with soap and water, then apply an antiseptic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin. Covering the blister with a sterile bandage or specialized blister pad, such as Compeed or Moleskin, can help prevent further friction. If the blister is large or painful, carefully draining it by sterilizing a needle with alcohol, puncturing the edge of the blister, gently pressing out fluid, and leaving the skin intact may be necessary, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines 1. For pain relief, taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as directed can be helpful. Changing the bandage daily and monitoring for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, are crucial steps in the healing process. Most blisters heal within 3-7 days if kept clean and protected. Preventing future blisters involves wearing properly fitting shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and applying petroleum jelly or specialized anti-friction balms to areas prone to blistering before extended walking or running, as recommended by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines 1. Additionally, the IWGDF guidelines suggest that people with diabetes who are at risk of foot ulceration should be screened annually for signs or symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral artery disease, and should receive structured education on foot self-care to prevent foot ulcers 1. It is also important to note that the use of certain interventions, such as topical antiseptic or antimicrobial dressings, should be avoided, as they have not been shown to be effective in promoting wound healing, according to the IWGDF guidelines 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Foot Blisters
The treatment for foot blisters involves several steps to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Early aspiration of the fluid and protecting the blister roof are recommended 2.
- Leaving the blister in place is suggested for uncomplicated blisters without pressure pain, while puncturing the blister and leaving the roof in place is recommended for pressure painful and palmar and plantar localized blisters 3.
- For ruptured blisters without clinical signs of infection, leaving the remnants of the blister roof is advised, while removing the remnants of the blister roof is recommended for ruptured blisters with clinical signs of infection 3.
- Applying a sterile wound dressing after treating the blister is also suggested 3.
Prevention of Foot Blisters
Preventing foot blisters is also crucial, and several strategies can be employed.
- Wearing properly fitted shoes that are broken in slowly can help prevent blister formation 2, 4.
- Using protective padding over potential sites of blister formation and drying foot powders can also be effective 2.
- Closed cell neoprene insoles and wearing foot socks composed of acrylic or a combination of thin polyester and thick wool or polypropylene socks can reduce the incidence of foot blisters 5.