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Causes of foot blisters

• Friction caused by inappropriate or new footwear


• Friction caused by high workload such as running or certain sports activities


• Burns


• Allergic reactions or skin infections


• Excessive foot perspiration

How do I avoid getting a blister?
Inappropriate or new footwear is a leading cause of foot blisters. They can be avoided by choosing shoes carefully. Size is the most important factor, and care should be taken in getting the correct size for your foot.

Remember that feet are likely to swell during the day or after long periods of walking or standing. A trained assistant at the shoe shop should be able to advise you on the correct size. It is also important to get appropriate footwear.

Fashion footwear is in many cases simply not suitable for everyday wear. Wear the correct shoes for your chosen sports activity. Sports such as squash or tennis that involve sudden acceleration and stopping are likely to form blisters on the soles of the feet. Proper footwear can help avoid this.

Remember to break a new pair of shoes in gradually. Everyone’s feet are different and shoes take time to adjust to individual foot shape and walking patterns. Patients who have loss of sensation in the feet, such as some diabetics, should take extra care when wearing new shoes.

Socks can also play a role in blister prevention. Good quality cushioning socks will protect the foot from damage. Always ensure that socks are clean and have no holes or thick seams on the inside.

How do I treat a blister?

Never pop a blister! Once a blister is opened it can easily be infected. In most cases the fluid inside a blister will be reabsorbed into the skin if it is left alone.

If however the blister is opened, it should be carefully cleaned with an appropriate antiseptic wash and covered with a sterile dressing. It should then be regularly monitored to ensure that it does not become infected. Should the wound not heal or become infected consult your doctor immediately.

Remember in cases where blisters have been caused by a specific pair of shoes, these shoes should be avoided until the wound has healed.

(Written by Dallas Fell and Chris Delpierre, registered podiatrists with the H.P.C.S.A)

South African Podiatry Association (SAPA)

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