From the Guidelines
The most effective treatment for blisters on the feet involves protecting the blister, preventing infection, and promoting healing, with the primary goal of minimizing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life. When considering the treatment for blisters on the feet, several key points must be addressed to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
- For small, unbroken blisters, it is recommended to leave them intact as the skin provides a natural barrier against infection 1.
- Covering the blister with a sterile adhesive bandage or moleskin padding can help prevent further friction and promote healing.
- For large or painful blisters, cleaning the area with soap and water, then sterilizing a needle with alcohol and gently piercing the edge of the blister to drain fluid while keeping the skin intact is advised 1.
- Applying an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin or Neosporin and covering with a clean bandage can help prevent infection.
- Changing the bandage daily and monitoring for signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, warmth, or pus is crucial 1.
- To prevent infection in broken blisters, cleaning the area, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering with a bandage is essential.
- Avoiding wearing the shoes that caused the blister until it heals and using supportive footwear that minimizes friction can also aid in the healing process 1.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
- Blisters typically heal within 3-7 days as new skin forms underneath the damaged area.
- It is essential to seek medical attention if signs of infection are noticed or if the individual has diabetes or poor circulation, as these conditions can complicate healing 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Blisters on the Feet
The treatment for blisters on the feet involves a combination of preventive measures and therapeutic interventions. Some key points to consider include:
- Conservative treatment can speed healing and lessen pain and disability 2
- Early aspiration of the fluid and protecting the blister roof can help treat blisters 3
- Draining intact blisters and maintaining the blister roof may result in the least patient discomfort and reduce the possibility of secondary infection 4
- Treating deroofed blisters with hydrocolloid dressings can provide pain relief and allow patients to continue physical activity if necessary 4
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures can help reduce the incidence of blisters on the feet. These include:
- Wearing properly fitting shoes and breaking them in slowly 3, 4
- Using protective padding over potential sites of blister formation 3
- Applying drying foot powders and using nonslip insoles 3
- Wearing foot socks composed of acrylic or a combination of thin polyester and thick wool or polypropylene socks 4
- Reducing frictional forces by using closed cell neoprene insoles 4
Pathophysiology and Causation
Understanding the pathophysiology and causation of blisters is essential for effective treatment and prevention. Recent studies suggest that friction blisters are caused by repetitive shear deformation, rather than heat, moisture, and friction alone 5. The 3 fundamental elements of blister-inducing shear deformation are motion of bone, high friction force, and repetition of the resulting shear events 5.