How to Treat Blisters in Football

Blisters are difficult to deal with no matter what the situation is and no matter when you happen to get them. In athletic situations, of course, this is particularly true. Within the football world, for instance, blisters are the bane of many newer or younger players who haven't had time to build up callouses. There are effective ways of treating blisters in football, though. Here's how to do so:

Things You'll Need

• Clean bandages
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibiotic ointment
• Medical grade tape
• Warm water
• Antibacterial soap
• Clean towels
• A needle
• Petroleum jelly

Instructions

1. First of all, wash your hands with warm water and soap. Any time you hands become contaminated throughout the process, rewash them before touching the area around the blister.

2. Next, thoroughly disinfect the area around the blister and the blister itself by first washing them with warm water and soap, then gently applying rubbing alcohol to the area.

3. Soak a needle in rubbing alcohol for 2-3 minutes to disinfect it.

4. Using the needle, gently puncture the skin of the blister at the base and push the liquid out of it, soaking it up with a clean towel.

5. Leave the protective skin over the blister in place. This will act as a natural bandage for the area during your high-intensity football workouts, training, and games.

6. Apply antibacterial ointment to the blister and the surrounding area.

7. Firmly secure a clean bandage onto the area of the blister and secure it with medical grade tape, making sure that the bandage is snug enough to make it through your various upcoming football activities.

8. Change the bandage frequently, at least 2-3 times a day.

Tips & Warnings

• * Applying a little petroleum jelly to the exposed side of your bandage will lower the friction and lessen the chances that your bandage pulls off during football-related activity.

• * Use antibacterial ointment liberally on the blister and surrounding area because this, too, will help eliminate friction in the area.

• * Keep an eye on the area and watch for signs of infection or increased pain levels. If you think you're developing an infection then see your football trainer or a medical professional as soon as possible.

• * Do not attempt to play football through intense pain. If you think you have a bad infection or some other serious condition, get off of the football field and seek medical attention.