Anyone who has gone on a hike in new boots or exercises in new sneakers can find they fall victim to foot blisters.
Most often, the friction causes blisters, and it doesn’t require the attention of the doctor. It can be easier than you think to blister bottom of the foot while wearing the wrong shoes or socks.
In our guide, you can learn all there is about painful blisters, and how to treat foot blister wherever you are.
Is it Better to Pop a Blister or Leave It?
Most blisters caused by friction will form new skin beneath the affected area and fluid absorbed. However, if there is the chance of a large blister causing pain or being irritated further, it is possible to pop it while following certain guides. (Find the Best Water Shoes)
It is worth noting, the fluid-filled blister keeps skin clean and helps avoid infection while promoting healing.
Should you wish to pop a blister or you see it pops by itself follow the below:
- Wash hands with soap and water
- Use a sterilized needle (you can rinse in rubbing alcohol or hold the tip in a flame until red hot)
- Wash your hands and the blistered area. Make a small hole so the fluid will drain
- If you see the fluid is white or yellow, then your blister may be infected and could lead to medical care
- Never remove the skin from a broken blister. New skin needs a protective cover
- Apply antibiotic creams or ointment
- Check for infection or red or warm skin around the blister.
- Cover with a bandage until healed
Why Do the Bottom of My Feet Blister?
Blisters are a small fluid pocket that form, vary in size and happen for different reasons. You may get one from a skin burn, infection, insect bite, or trauma.
Depending on location, blisters may interfere with everyday tasks. A blister on your foot, and you may have difficulty walking for an extended period.
If you have blisters on feet, friction is often the culprit. Walking or standing places pressure on the heels, soles, and other parts. The more time you spend on your feet, the higher risk for blisters. It is made worse if you are wearing new boots or shoes, which rub and causes friction.
Excess moisture or sweat can trigger skin bubbles and is common in warmer weather or hiking with sweaty feet. Runners are also prone to blisters when pores become clogged with sweat.
Causes of blisters on feet include:
- Sunburn
- Frostbite
- Allergic reactions
- Fungal or bacterial infections
- Chickenpox
- Dyshidrotic eczema
Home Treatment for Feet Blisters
You may want to pop a blister, yet leave a blister intact as open blisters can be easily infected.
Cover a blister with an adhesive bandage can help protect a blister as it heals.
Drain with a sterilized needle then cover the blister with a bandage or gauze.
Clean and apply antibacterial ointment daily, and make sure to keep the blister covered.
It is easy to prevent blisters on feet once you understand the reasons. If a blister is from friction, wearing shoes that fit properly is your first defense. If feet rub on a certain area of your shoe, wear an insole may provide the padding to reduce friction.
When hiking or if you’re an athlete, make sure to keep feet dry. Apply foot powder and reduce sweating. You can also wear moisture-wicking socks as these pull moisture away from your feet and dry faster to reduce moisture. (Find the Best Backpacks for Hiking)
Suppose cosmetics or allergy triggers the blisters on your feet. Avoid using irritants to stop new blisters. Blisters caused by medical conditions, speak to your doctor.
Once you treat underlying problems, you may the risk of blisters.
What Are the Little Blisters on the Bottom of My Feet?
Foot blisters are uncomfortable and painful. Think ahead, and you can help prevent blisters, or at least you will be on your way to know how to treat a blister.
Stop and Check
When you get a blister, stop the activity you’re doing and determine how to treat it. Carrying on can pop a blister and lead to infection.
It could be possible to adjust footwear to help prevent the blister from increasing its size. Change or straighten socks if bunched or they feel damp.
Use Padding
You can get blister pads, moleskin or some bandages that help prevent blisters. You can also use padding as protection for a blister you have.
Blister Prevention Tactics
Blisters are common, so prevention is often better than cure. Try to follow these tips to help reduce risk of blisters when running or hiking, or even any activity where you may be prone to sweat, friction or excess foot moisture.
Wear Better Shoes
Shoes are the primary culprit for causing blisters on feet. Avoid shoes that rub, cramp or put your feet under pressure. Wearing the right shoes will make a difference.
New shoes may make feet blister the first few times you wear them.
Wear Better Socks
Stop using cotton socks as these dry slow and retain moisture. Pick socks to wick away moisture. You can wear two pears as this will cushion your feet as well as one layer soaking up moisture. Double-layer socks are expensive, yet can help avoid blisters.
Change socks halfway through a hike, or check to see if they feel damp.
Lubricate
It is possible to lubricate your feet to cut down on friction. Friction causes blisters, so it makes sense to reduce friction and help reduce blisters. Rub petroleum jelly or another lubricant designed for runners to your feet blisters’ areas are likely to form as this makes feet slide instead of rubbing.
Keep Calluses
Calluses may be unsightly, and you are tempted to shave them off or pumice them down. However, these are protection for your feet. (Find the Best Hiking Watches)
Keep Feet Dry
Besides changing socks, you can add talcum powder (or corn starch) to the inside of your shoes and socks. Doing this helps soak up moisture.
Cover Prone Areas
Suppose there are any areas prone to blister. Pad or use gauze bandage on these areas as if you were applying a blister treatment. An extra protective layer can prevent pressure and blister bottom of foot ruining your activity.
