First Aid Tips: Blisters

A blister is formed when the outer layer of the skin separates from the layer underneath it. Blisters on the feet occur as a result of constant friction either against the shoes or rough objects that get in contact with the sole. Blisters appear on hands of mountain climbers and rock climbers, mountain bikers, and kayakers. A blister can be formed if dirt such as pebbles, dirt, and pin needles that get stuck to the skin. When you have it, the feeling is often irritating, uncomfortable, and painful. Although most cases do not require emergency treatment, it must be properly addressed with the right first aid approach.

This summer, with all your plans and summer activities in line, arm yourself with the right knowledge about the basic first aid for blisters.

First Aid Tips

1. With clean hands, use soap and warm water to clean the blister.
2. Swab the blister with rubbing alcohol or iodine.
3. To pop or not to pop? The issue whether to rapture the blister or not has always been controversial. Since blisters rapture anyway, it is okay to pop it. Just make sure that you clean it properly and leave the skin intact as it acts as a protection to the skin layer underneath it.
4. Using a sterile needle, puncture the blister gently. Aim for the softest spot near the blister’s edge. Drain the accumulated fluid and again, leave the skin in place.
5. Clean the blister for the second time by rubbing it with antibiotic ointment.
6. Cover the blister with bandage or gauze pad.
7. Clean the blister regularly until it completely heals.
8. Once the overlaying skin has dried, let it fall off naturally or cut it away with tweezers or a pair of scissors.

Seek professional help if you see signs of infection around the blister – redness, warm skin, increased pain, and pus.

Prevent Blisters

1. Wear the right shoe size
2. Keep your feet dry
3. Blister-prone area of the feet should be taped.
4. Wearing gloves when working with tools or wearing sports gloves when performing outdoor activities like mountain biking and kayaking effectively reduces friction off your hands.
5. Your feet swell throughout the day so it is best to shop for a perfect fit pair of shoes during midday.
6. Wear special athletic socks with extra padding on critical areas to reduce the risk of having blisters.

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