How to Treat and Prevent Blisters Caused by Running

Blisters can be painful and impact your ability to run at your full potential or even at all. This problem has been shared by many runners and as a result there are products and treatment options that have been developed to prevent and speed the healing process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Anti-biotic cream (Neosporin)
• Sterilized Needle
• Properly fitted shoes
• Moleskin
• "Blister Proof" socks
• Vaseline

1. Good Shoes Prevention - Shoes. Blisters are caused by friction between your foot and your running shoe. So the most important thing here is to get a good pair of running shoes that fit well. Tie the shoes snuggly so your feet are not sliding around inside and most importantly, make sure to "break in" your shoes before running for too long in them.
2. Running Socks Prevention - Socks. Good running socks are an invaluable investment that will spare your feet the pain of blisters. Quality socks will wick away moisture from your skin, thus greatly reducing one of the main risk factors for blister formation. Stay away from cotton socks.
3. Moleskin Prevention - Moleskin. If you know that you are prone to blisters in certain areas of your foot, try protecting that area with a patch of moleskin. This will reduce friction, however sweat may cause the patch to become unstuck. The trick here is to secure the patch with a strip of duct tape (will stay on despite the sweat generated by running).
4. Vaseline Prevention - Vaseline. Apply a coat of Vaseline to areas of your foot exposed to friction from the shoe and ground. If this is not an option for you, try some talcum powder to help absorb some of the moisture or some form of specialty heal balm.
5. Reduce Sweat Prevention - Reducing Sweat. Excessively sweaty feet can greatly increase the risk of developing blisters from running. There are products that you can use such as Callsuan Fresh which will reduce perspiration.
6. Treatment Treatment. If you develop a blister and it causes you pain while running, there is a simple procedure that you must perform. Disinfect a sharp needle in rubbing alcohol or over a flame and gently pierce the dead skin covering the blister. Be sure to apply an anti-bacterial ointment such as Neosporin to the site to prevent infection. Do not remove the skin because it acts as protection for the sensitive skin beneath.

Tips & Warnings

• Buying proper gear (good shoes, socks) for your feet is a worthwhile investment and will greatly reduce the likelihood of developing painful blisters.
• Do not pop the blister if you are diabetic or if you suspect infection (red streaks around the site). Consult a doctor as soon as possible.