Blisters on the feet are a common result of wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Blisters on the feet are a common result of wearing ill-fitting shoes.
This blister occurred as a reaction to an insect bite.
This blister occurred as a reaction to an insect bite.
This severe blister is in a common location for athletes: the bottom of the foot.
This severe blister is in a common location for athletes: the bottom of the foot.
This large single blister appears as if it could pop on its own and can be safely drained by following the proper procedures discussed in the First Aid Guide.
This large single blister appears as if it could pop on its own and can be safely drained by following the proper procedures discussed in the First Aid Guide.
The grouped blisters in this image exemplify the type of multiple, grouped blisters that you should not attempt to drain. Further, this type of blister configuration should warrant a visit to a medical professional
The grouped blisters in this image exemplify the type of multiple, grouped blisters that you should not attempt to drain. Further, this type of blister configuration should warrant a visit to a medical professional

Images of Blisters, First Aid (5)

Blisters on the feet are a common result of wearing ill-fitting shoes.
This blister occurred as a reaction to an insect bite.
This severe blister is in a common location for athletes: the bottom of the foot.
This large single blister appears as if it could pop on its own and can be safely drained by following the proper procedures discussed in the First Aid Guide.
The grouped blisters in this image exemplify the type of multiple, grouped blisters that you should not attempt to drain. Further, this type of blister configuration should warrant a visit to a medical professional

Blisters, First Aid

A blister is caused when the outer layer of the skin separates from a layer of skin below, creating a collection of fluid between the layers. Blisters can be caused by chemical means, such as an allergic reaction; physical injury, such as from heat, frostbite, or friction; or from a disease.

If the blister has been caused by a burn, see the Burns, First Aid write-up. If the blister has been caused by frostbite, see the Frostbite, First Aid write-up.

Who's At Risk?

Athletes are at high risk of acquiring blisters due to repetitive friction between their skin and their shoes, socks, and sports equipment. Additionally, those who wear ill-fitting, uncomfortable shoes or who handle tools that cause friction are at risk of getting blisters.

Signs & Symptoms

Blisters typically develop on the soles of feet and the palms of hands when there is friction and irritation on the surface layer of the skin.

Depending on the severity as well as the stage of the blister, the appearance may vary.

  • Early-stage blisters – Redness of the skin on the affected area, such as on the heel, instep, toes, or palms.
  • Mild middle-stage blisters – The affected area forms into a bubble-like swelling under the skin, and the fluid in the blister is clear.
  • Moderate or severe middle-stage blisters – The affected area forms into a bubble-like swelling under the skin and may be quite large. Infected blisters look red around the edges, and the fluid is often pus-like or red. Additionally, infected blisters are painful and warm to the touch.
  • Late-stage blisters – As the blister heals, the skin on the blister dries and typically sloughs off naturally, leaving healthy skin underneath.

Self-Care Guidelines

First Aid Guide
Blisters often go away on their own without needing any care, and the skin over the blister is its best defense against infection. If the blister is large or painful, though, you can drain the blister in such a way as to relieve the discomfort and hopefully avoid infection. Note: Avoid popping if the blister looks infected or you have a fever; multiple, grouped blisters; diabetes; or poor circulation.

To pop a blister:

  1. Clean your hands and the affected area with soap and warm water.
  2. Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area.
  3. Wipe a needle with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it.
  4. Puncture the blister with the sterilized needle at its edge, making the hole big enough to drain fluid.
  5. Let the fluid drain, making sure to leave the overlying skin in place because the skin helps prevent infection.
  6. Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as one containing bacitracin (eg, Neosporin, Polysporin) to the blister, and cover with a clean bandage.
  7. Once the overlying skin has dried, allow it to fall off naturally or use sterilized scissors to cut off the dead skin. Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage, if necessary.

Prevention of blisters is key. The following measures will help prevent blisters from occurring:

  • Wear moisture-wicking socks, particularly ones that fit well, and change your socks if they become wet.
  • When picking out shoes, make sure you can wiggle your toes inside them, and ensure that both the left and right shoes fit properly.
  • Wear moleskin, a bandage, or athletic tape on skin that tends to blister during certain activities.
  • Wear work gloves when using tools that cause friction on the hands.

Treatments

If the blister is infected, your medical professional may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Depending on the cause of the blister, the blister or blisters may simply require conservative measures, such as watchful waiting, or if caused by a disease, the underlying disease may require treatment.

Visit Urgency

See your medical professional if you think your blister may be infected (eg, the blister is red or warm to the touch, painful, oozing pus, or blood-filled); there are multiple, grouped lesions; you have a fever, poor circulation, diabetes, or an autoimmune disease; or if you are not feeling well.

Trusted Links

Disease Groups: First Aid: Treatments, Pictures, and Animated Instructions

Last modified on August 8th, 2024 at 1:53 pm

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