Blisters are small fluid-filled sacs which develop on the skin and are most commonly found on the feet. Most people experience blisters at some point in their lives, especially if they have a keen interest in sport, notably long-distance or marathon running. Blisters are usually harmless and heal independently, but they can start to become a nuisance if they develop frequently and they can sometimes be very painful.
What causes blisters?
There are many possible causes of blisters, including:
- Wearing new shoes
- Wearing poorly-fitting shoes
- Running or walking long distances
- Friction between the skin and another surface
- Sunburn
- Burns
- Exposure to chemicals
- Skin conditions, such as chickenpox or impetigo
Treating blisters
In most cases no treatment is required for blisters and they heal by themselves in time. In most cases blisters will heal within 3-7 days. It may be beneficial to cover the blister with a plaster if you plan to wear shoes or play sport and the blister has not healed, as the friction may make the blister worse and this is likely to cause pain.
If you have blisters on a regular basis, you have blisters as a result of severe sunburn, scalds or contact with chemicals, or the blisters are very sore, inflamed or weeping, consider seeing your doctor.
Advice for sports enthusiasts
Blisters are a common problem for sports enthusiasts and if you search for solutions, you will find all kinds of weird and wonderful suggestions. One of the most important considerations for athletes and amateur sports players is footwear. It is essential to ensure that you wear well-fitted, sturdy, comfortable shoes if you are planning to play sport on a regular basis. If you have a new pair of running shoes, break them in gradually and avoid wearing them for a long run at the beginning, as this is likely to give you bad blisters.
Socks are also very important: many runners recommend wearing thick socks as these keep the feet dry and prevent friction between the skin and the shoe. There are many brands which produce specially-designed products, including trainers and socks, to prevent blisters and promote comfort. Footballers often suffer from blisters as a result of friction between the foot and the boot, and some people find that wearing a thin cotton sock inside their thicker football sock helps to prevent blisters. Wearing plasters can also help to stop blisters getting worse. You can buy specially-designed blister plasters from chemists and supermarkets. Wearing in your boots by walking around the house in them before playing sport will also help to keep blisters at bay.
Some runners use powder to dry their feet and prevent blisters, while others rely on lubricant to prevent skin to skin friction. If you run on a regular basis it is worth trying out a few different remedies and see which works best for you.
Preventing blisters
Blisters are part and parcel of exercising, especially if you are long-distance running or wearing new shoes, and they can also develop as a result of sun exposure or exposure to chemicals. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of blisters developing, including:
- Make sure your shoes fit well and they are comfortable
- Choose specialist footwear if you participate in a sport on a regular basis; for example, running trainers for long-distance running
- Cover blisters with plasters if you are planning to run again and the blister has not yet healed
- Use a men’s body powder
- Wear socks
- Wear gloves when handling chemicals
- Wear protective sun cream
If you would like to learn more about the types of blisters and other skin conditions you can visit dermatologist.org.uk for relevant advice on a range of conditions.
