What are Blisters?
Blisters are fluid-filled bubble-like structures that develop as a response to an injury or infection to cushion and prevent further damage to the area. They occur mostly in the hands and feet where the outer layer of the skin is thick. Blisters of your feet can be very painful as your feet are under a lot of stress from supporting the weight of the entire body.
Causes of Blisters on Your Feet
Causes of feet blisters include:
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Excess stress on the feet
- Overexposure to the sun
- Fungal infections
- Allergic reaction
- Skin burns
- Friction from rubbing the feet on a rough surface
- Frostbite
- Ruptured blood vessels
- Chickenpox
Diagnosis of Foot Blisters
Diagnosis of foot blisters may involve:
- Physical examination: Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose a blister by examining your skin.
- Skin swabs: If the blister is accompanied by fever and chills, your doctor will collect the pus or fluid from the blister using a skin swab and examine it under the microscope to detect the presence of bacterial and fungal infection.
Treatment for Blisters on Your Feet
Most blisters will heal on their own as long as you do not apply pressure on the area or burst the blister as open wounds may increase the risk for infection. To speed up healing, you may apply ice gently, keep your feet elevated as much as possible to limit inflammation, wash your feet regularly with warm water and soap then dry well. Do not wear footwear or socks that exert pressure on the blister.
In case the blister does not get better or worsens after a few days, you may need to see a doctor for possible drainage of the blister and antibiotic treatment. Your doctor will also instruct you to apply topic antibacterial or anti-fungal ointments and cover the blister with a bandage.
Preventing Blisters on Your Feet
Preventive measures include:
- Wear well-fitting shoes
- Avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your feet
- Always clean and dry your feet well
- Moisturize your skin
- Use sole inserts and socks with extra padding
