What are blisters?
A blister is a small, fluid-filled bubble under the skin. It forms when skin is rubbed or pressed again and again, and it can be surprisingly painful — enough to change the way you walk.
Most blisters heal on their own with a little care. Ones that keep returning in the same spot are often a sign that something about your shoes or the way your foot moves needs attention.
Common causes
Blisters usually come from friction and pressure, caused by:
- Shoes that don't fit well
- Stiff shoes that haven't broken in
- Socks that bunch or wrinkle against the skin
- Too much moisture
- Changes in the shape of the foot
- An imbalance in how the foot moves
What you can do at home
To prevent them, and to care for one that has formed:
- Keep your feet dry, and always wear socks as a cushion between foot and shoe.
- Wear shoes that fit properly.
- Don't pop a small blister.
- Protect it with a "doughnut": cut a hole in a thin piece of foam or felt, place it around the blister and tape it down, or cover it with a soft gel dressing.
- If a blister opens, clean it gently with mild soap and water, apply an antiseptic ointment and cover it with a soft gel dressing.
How a podiatrist helps
If blisters keep coming back or an open one looks infected, it's time for a visit. Dr. Rosenfeld can:
- Examine your feet and the way you walk
- Look for the cause of repeated rubbing
- Recommend treatment, footwear changes or orthotics as needed