How to Treat blisters on the feet

Feet that are hot and moist from sweat or water are more susceptible to blisters, as wet skin tears more easily. Foot blisters can be painful, and poorly fitted shoes often are the culprits. But if you don’t succeed in avoiding the rubbing and friction that can lead to blisters, your best bet for relief may come from alternative treatment. Read on to learn how to treat blisters on the feet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Talcum powder
• Petroleum jelly
• Rubbing alcohol
• Sterilized needle
• Antibiotic ointment
• Sterile dressing

1. Keeping your feet dry, especially the areas at the back of the heel, the instep and toes. Never wear wet socks or shoes. Try using foot or talcum powder, putting cornstarch in your socks or spraying antiperspirant on your feet to help keep them dry.

2. Covering the blistered area in petroleum jelly for immediate pain relief. While this is an effective treatment, it doesn’t last for long.

3. Draining the fluid from the blister using a sterilized needle, especially if the blister is located on a weight-bearing surface of the foot. First clean the blister and surrounding skin with alcohol, and then slowly stick the needle into the side of the blister. A clear liquid should begin to ooze out.

4. Preserving as much of the skin covering the wound as possible to help prevent infection. Smaller blisters should be left intact if they are not causing any discomfort. Do not pick or peel at a blister, as this can make it worse.

5. Apply antibiotic ointment and then cover the open wound with a sterile dressing to put light pressure on the area and help protect against rubbing and irritation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a razor blade to drain a blister, use either alcohol or a flame to sterilize it. Hold the blade to a match until it glows red. When the blade cools to the touch, make a straight incision large enough to allow the fluid to drain out.
• Avoid wearing cotton socks, as cotton absorbs moisture.

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