Jan 09
29
Healing and Preventing Blisters
What’s a Blister?
A blister is an area of raised skin with a watery liquid inside. Blisters form on hands and feet from rubbing and pressure. You can get blisters on your feet the same day you wear uncomfortable or poor-fitting shoes. You can get blisters on your hands if you forget to wear protective gloves when you’re using a hammer, a shovel, or performing some other activity that causes repeat friction to an area of skin.
Areas on your body that form blisters and continue to be rubbed every day (like your feet because of the same pair of uncomfortable shoes you always wear) may go on to form calluses.
How to Prevent Blisters
The best way to deal with blisters is to avoid getting them altogether. So how do you do that?
To avoid getting blisters on your hands, wear the right kind of gloves or protective gear. For instance, you might use work gloves during yard work.
To keep your feet callus free, choose your shoes wisely. Try to shop for shoes in the afternoon — that’s when your feet are their largest. Why? Because they get a little swollen from you walking on them all day. And be sure to try on both shoes and walk around a little bit before buying them. Even if they look really nice, don’t get them if they don’t feel right. Often, a different size or width can make a big difference.
And even if you love a certain pair of shoes in your closet, don’t wear them all the time. Mix it up by wearing a variety of shoes. That way, your feet will get a break and won’t always be rubbed in the same places.
Caring for Blisters
If any skin problem gets red, inflamed, or looks infected you will want to check with your doctor. But more often blisters can be cared for at home. Blisters usually just need time to heal on their own. Keep a blister clean and dry and cover it with a bandage until it goes away. While it heals, try to avoid putting pressure on the area or rubbing it.
)- Rub Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel over the blister. Aloe is an analgesic that will soothe the burning sensation.
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Disinfect a broken blister with Listerine, a powerful antiseptic (I would think this would sting and burn badly, so use caution!)
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Apply Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to lubricate the skin and prevent more friction.
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Use Preparation H Hemorrhoid ointment to sooth inflammation and lubricate the skin.
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