What is the best way to care for a blister on the sole of the foot?

Best Care for Blisters on the Soles of Feet

For blisters on the soles of feet, drain intact blisters while preserving the blister roof, apply appropriate dressings, and reduce friction through proper footwear and moisture control. 1, 2

Initial Blister Assessment and Treatment

Draining the Blister

• Drain intact blisters when they are painful or likely to rupture:
  • Lance the blister at its lowest point using a sterile needle or scissors 1
  • Allow fluid to drain by gravity 1
  • Keep the blister roof intact as a natural protective covering 1, 2
  • Use gauze or absorbent material to wick away fluid 1

Cleaning and Infection Prevention

• Gently cleanse the area with an antimicrobial solution 2
• Consider a saline soak to prevent secondary infection 1
• Apply a bland emollient (such as 50% white soft paraffin and 50% liquid paraffin) to support skin barrier function 2

Dressing Application

• Apply a non-adherent dressing over the drained blister 2
• Avoid adhesive dressings that may stick to the wound bed and damage new epithelial cells 2
• Maintain a moist wound environment to promote healing and reduce pain 2

Prevention of Further Blisters

Footwear Recommendations

• Choose firm, comfortably fitting footwear with:
  • Appropriate length and width
  • Rounded toe box
  • Flexible flat sole with heel support
  • Laces or straps to prevent foot slippage inside the shoe
  • Seamless internal lining 1

Moisture Control

• Use cornflour on the soles of feet and between toes to control excessive moisture and reduce friction 1
• Wear socks that:
  • Provide ventilation
  • Wick away moisture
  • Reduce friction 1
  • Consider acrylic or polyester socks, which have been shown to reduce blister incidence 3

Pain Management

• Provide appropriate analgesia as needed 2
• Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs 2

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If signs of infection develop:
  • Increasing redness, warmth, or pain
  • Presence of pus
  • Red streaks extending from the blister 2
• For large blisters or those involving mucous membranes 2

Special Considerations

• For recurrent blisters, consider:
  • Custom orthotics or shock-absorbing insoles 1
  • Evaluation of foot biomechanics 1
  • Treatment of any underlying foot deformities 1

Caution

• Avoid home remedies or applying substances that may introduce infection or delay healing 2
• Do not use adhesive dressings directly on the blister wound 2
• Blisters should only be drained using sterile technique to prevent infection 1, 2

By following these evidence-based recommendations, patients can effectively manage blisters on the soles of their feet while minimizing pain, preventing infection, and promoting healing.