Blisters
Blisters are soft, puffy, pockets of skin of varying size that are filled with fluid or blood. They are usually the result of excessive friction in the form of continuous rubbing or irritation, and if the friction is severe enough to affect the small blood vessels then a ‘blood blister’ is said to have occurred.
Blisters are usually painful to the touch and while they may appear anywhere on the body the feet are the most commonly afflicted area. This is usually due to tight or ill-fighting shoes that do not accommodate the size, shape, or movement of the foot, which causes excessive rubbing on pressure points. The toes and heels are the most vulnerable part of the foot and the two areas most likely to develop blisters.
While this type of condition generally heals on its own if the friction is relentless the blister may last for several weeks, though generally this isn’t the case as sustained pressure tends to wear down the skin and cause the blister to ‘break’. When this occurs the fluid drains on its own and care must be taken that an infection doesn’t develop and that the sore doesn’t become a much deeper wound. When the friction is only mildly irritating the blister will heal despite the irritation and a callus will eventually form.
Blisters typically heal within a few days without treatment so the best option is to keep the area clean and dry, and to monitor the area for further damage or infection, especially is the blister breaks. If the blister remains intact a new layer of skin will form beneath the sore and the uppermost skin will eventually peel away on its own.
If possible, protect the blister against breakage as the layer of skin overlying the fluid is a natural barrier against germs and infection. Should the skin tear and fluid drain gently wash the area with soap and water, pat dry, apply an antibacterial ointment and a sterile bandage. Diabetics need to take particular care with their feet and should closely monitor any developments in this area; a careful, daily inspection of their feet is highly recommended.
While blisters are a very common condition and rarely anything to worry about if you see pus or redness or if your skin becomes much more painful than it has been then medical care should be sought. You also need to contact a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing widespread blistering, blisters that itch, or if blisters begin to develop on areas that have not been exposed to prolong rubbing or friction, as these are symptoms of illness, not skin irritation.
Blisters can be reduced or prevented by wearing socks that wick away moisture and by making sure that your shoes fit your feet well. Shoes are either to large or too small will create friction and irritation. If the skin on your feet tends to be sensitive or if you have other foot issues that cause your walking gait to be unorthodox shoe inserts can help cushion, support and stabilize the foot and thereby reduce your risk of developing blisters.
Blisters are usually painful to the touch and while they may appear anywhere on the body the feet are the most commonly afflicted area. This is usually due to tight or ill-fighting shoes that do not accommodate the size, shape, or movement of the foot, which causes excessive rubbing on pressure points. The toes and heels are the most vulnerable part of the foot and the two areas most likely to develop blisters.
While this type of condition generally heals on its own if the friction is relentless the blister may last for several weeks, though generally this isn’t the case as sustained pressure tends to wear down the skin and cause the blister to ‘break’. When this occurs the fluid drains on its own and care must be taken that an infection doesn’t develop and that the sore doesn’t become a much deeper wound. When the friction is only mildly irritating the blister will heal despite the irritation and a callus will eventually form.
Blisters typically heal within a few days without treatment so the best option is to keep the area clean and dry, and to monitor the area for further damage or infection, especially is the blister breaks. If the blister remains intact a new layer of skin will form beneath the sore and the uppermost skin will eventually peel away on its own.
If possible, protect the blister against breakage as the layer of skin overlying the fluid is a natural barrier against germs and infection. Should the skin tear and fluid drain gently wash the area with soap and water, pat dry, apply an antibacterial ointment and a sterile bandage. Diabetics need to take particular care with their feet and should closely monitor any developments in this area; a careful, daily inspection of their feet is highly recommended.
While blisters are a very common condition and rarely anything to worry about if you see pus or redness or if your skin becomes much more painful than it has been then medical care should be sought. You also need to contact a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing widespread blistering, blisters that itch, or if blisters begin to develop on areas that have not been exposed to prolong rubbing or friction, as these are symptoms of illness, not skin irritation.
Blisters can be reduced or prevented by wearing socks that wick away moisture and by making sure that your shoes fit your feet well. Shoes are either to large or too small will create friction and irritation. If the skin on your feet tends to be sensitive or if you have other foot issues that cause your walking gait to be unorthodox shoe inserts can help cushion, support and stabilize the foot and thereby reduce your risk of developing blisters.
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