Fact Checked
A foot blister is a small bump filled with fluid that occurs in the upper skin layer of the foot. It is caused by repeated rubbing or friction in one area, usually after walking long distances, performing repetitive movements, running and performing exercises. It can also caused by wearing old and ill fitting shoes. The blisters easily form in a moist foot.
Causes of foot blister
- Sunburn
- Exposure to excessive temperature
- Allergic reaction to irritants
- Crushed skin
- Pinched or aggressively squeezed
- Exposure to chemicals
Redness and tenderness of the skin. - Medical condition such as herpes, empetigo, chicken pox and diabetes can cause foot blisters.
Symptoms
- Redness and tenderness of the skin
- Pain
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Difficulty in walking
Treatment
- Avoid popping the blisters to minimize exposure to bacteria.
- Soak the affected area in warm water. Fill a bowl with warm water enough to cover the affected area such as the foot or hand and soak for at least 15 minutes to soften the skin found on top of the blister and make blisters drain on its own.
- If there is a need to drain the blisters, start sterilizing a needle using alcohol or boiling water, or another option use a sterilized hypodermic needle. Gently insert the needle at side and base of the blisters and let it drain. Remove the loose skin that covers the blisters to prevent infection. Apply povidone-iodine antiseptic to the affected area to prevent it from getting infected. Cover the blistered area using a gauze bandage, plaster, moleskin or other protective covering. Use a low-adherent or non-adherent dressing to make it easy to change without disturbing the affected area. Secure the dressing using a strong tape such as zinc oxide. Avoid using duct tape to prevent further damage on the affected area.
- Epsom salts helps dry out intact blisters and makes it drain on its own. It also lessens inflammation, swelling and infections. In foot tub filled with warm water, mix it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts. Mix them well until salt is totally dissolved and then soak the affected feet in the solution for at least 15 minutes. Pat them dry and apply a coating of petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil. Follow this treatment at least once every day for a few days.
- Mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with a few drops of water or pure rose water, and then mix them well until it becomes a paste. Apply the paste on the blisters and leave it on for at least 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it off using warm water. Perform this treatment two to three times every day for a few days. Another alternative is drinking warm turmeric milk every day before going to sleep at night for fast healing of the condition.
Tips
- Rub some diaper rash cream or petroleum jelly when wearing strap sandals or new shoes.
- Wear sock when wearing new shoes.
- Avoid removing loose skin that covers the blisters to prevent being infected.
- Keep feet dry as much as possible and avoid wearing wet boots, shoes or socks.