Before You Pop a Blister
Are you thinking about popping that blister on your foot? Please don’t.
A blister is a fluid-filled bubble, and it can be found on your feet, among other places on the body. People can find them on the sides of their feet, on top of their toes, on their heels, and in other areas. At times, walking with this annoying bubble can be painful. If your toes are out, you may not be very happy with your shoe choice that day. The culprit is a common enemy: friction.
At the PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center, we know that one of the biggest things that can go wrong is an infected wound. Popping a blister exposes the bubble-like pocket to germs. Instead of trying to pop your problem away, keep it clean and dry. You can also use cushions and padding to help relieve the pain while walking.
Here are three things you can do instead:
1. Keep it clean and dry
It may be tempting to pop your blister but leave it alone. When one forms, it is your body’s way of protecting itself. It heals skin damage. So, let your body heal and allow the blister time to do what it does best. Wash your hands every time you need to be near your problem area. Also, keep the area dry.
2. Place padding and cushion near the area
If you’re saying “ouch” with each step you take, we recommend adding padding and cushion. These tools provide the best way to leave your blister alone while easing the discomfort. Remember, you don’t want to be the one to pop it. If it happens on its own, that’s fine.
3. Ask for help
A blister can become a bother. If it’s causing you pain and has lingered for a while, it may be time to seek professional help. Call us — your neighborhood podiatrists. We’re here to help you avoid an infection. In our office, we can take a closer look and determine the next steps. It may be closer to healing than you think. Don’t make assumptions. Ask us first.
Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.