How Can I Treat/Prevent Blisters On My Feet?

Blisters happen due to friction between the skin and a shearing force (usually a shoe).

Blisters can be quite painful and debilitating, they are very common amongst athletes (such as runners, footballers, soccer players and netballers), but they are also common amongst the general population.

We categorise blisters into 5 stages (pictured below): 

• no blister
• hot spot
• roof intact
• roof torn
• de-roofed 

(Image source https://www.blister-prevention.com)

NO BLISTER:
AIM: Blister prevention (discussed below)

ANTISEPTIC: No need

DRESSING: Blister prevention strategies as discussed below

HOT SPOT
AIM: Blister prevention (discussed below)

ANTISEPTIC: No need

DRESSING: Blister prevention strategies as discussed below

 

ROOF INTACT
AIM: Keep the blister roof intact. As long as the roof stays intact it cannot get infected 

ANTISEPTIC: No need

DRESSING: Apply an island dressing

 

ROOF TORN
AIM: Keep what’s left of the blister roof in place and prevent infection.

ANTISEPTIC: Yes eg: Betadine solution or antibiotic cream.

DRESSING: Apply an island dressing

 

DEROOFED
AIM: Prevent infection and help strong flexible skin to grow back.

ANTISEPTIC: Yes eg: Betadine solution or antibiotic cream. 

DRESSING: Apply a hydrocolloid dressing- EG compeed

IMPORTANT: Please ensure to never “pop” or deroof a blister at home, as the tools used for this process need to be sterile. We can do this at our clinic with clean instruments and sterile dressings. 

Prevention & Treatment: 

There are a number of different methods we can use to prevent/treat blisters. All these are used to reduce friction to the skin as much as possible. The best method depends on where the blister has occurred. It is best to come and see us at our clinic for advice geared toward your blister specifically, but below are some options to think about for treatment or prevention:

• Socks (sweat absorbent socks are best) – we have Steigen socks at our clinic (pictured below) for sale which are great for blister preventionwww.steigen.com.au
• Blister pads (both stuck to foot and shoe)
• Shoe fit
• Lubricants
• Powders
• Toe sleeves
• Biomechanical issues 

If you have a blister that you need help treating or need some advice around future prevention of blisters, you can come and see us at our clinic! Our podiatrists will be able to help.