What Are Blisters? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment
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A podiatrist explains what foot blisters are, what causes that rubbing bubble on your skin, and how to treat and prevent them.
By Sophie McLellan, Co-Owner & Podiatrist, Little Big Feet Podiatry, Brisbane
Key Facts
- What it isA fluid-filled sac on the outer layers of skin that forms in response to repetitive friction between two surfaces, like a heel moving inside a shoe.
- Most at riskAnyone in ill-fitting or brand-new shoes, people with sweaty feet or damp socks, those with bunions or bony prominences, and anyone doing prolonged exercise.
- Common symptomsA raised, fluid-filled bubble at a friction point, which can become red or inflamed if it opens.
- Primary treatmentRemove the source of friction and leave the blister intact, keep it clean, avoid popping it, and see a podiatrist if it opens or looks infected.
What are blisters?
Blisters typically present as a fluid-filled sac enclosed by skin which develops on the outer layers of your skin in response to repetitive friction. The friction generally arises by movement between two surfaces; for example, a person's heel moving up and down inside a shoe. The shear forces create separation of the skin layers, and often the formation of a fluid filled sac which is the body's defensive response to protect the area from further damage.
Blisters may affect anyone, but certain conditions predispose some people to the condition more than others.
What causes blisters?
Blisters are commonly caused by a combination of issues, including:
- Ill-fitting footwear (too tight or too loose)
- Moisture caused by sweaty feet / damp socks
- Foot deformities (bunions, bony prominences etc putting pressure on areas of the footwear)
- Prolonged / excessive exercise
- Newly worn shoes
How do you treat and prevent blisters?
Popping or squeezing blisters should be avoided as it may open the site to bacteria and infection. In the instance that the blister becomes is open or red/inflamed, it may be wise to gently clean the area with a topical antiseptic such as Betadine.
Blisters are typically prevented by removing the cause of the friction. If left alone, and the initial cause of the blister is removed and avoided, then the site should heal up in a few days.
The Comfort Co Breakdown
Blisters, in plainer English
Blisters develop from friction, moisture, or pressure, often due to ill-fitting shoes or excessive movement. Prevent them by reducing the rubbing, and let them heal by keeping the area clean and resisting the urge to pop them.
Why did a blister form?
Friction. Skin rubbing against a shoe or sock, over and over, splits the layers apart and a protective fluid-filled sac forms.
Moisture. Sweaty feet and damp socks soften the skin, so it rubs and tears more easily.
Fit and pressure. Shoes that are too tight or too loose, new shoes, or bony spots like bunions all concentrate rubbing in one place.
What happens if I pop it?
Popping opens the skin to bacteria and raises the risk of infection. Leaving it intact lets the skin underneath heal, and once the rubbing stops most blisters settle within a few days.
Written by The Comfort Co team.
The Comfort Co Solutions
Blisters do not have to be an inevitability. With a couple of precautions thrown in you can avoid them altogether, or at least substantially minimise your chances of getting one.
1. Start with a perfect fit
Shoes that are even slightly off can rub in ways you would not expect, and blisters are the clearest sign. Getting your size, width and arch support right is the single biggest thing you can do to stop the rubbing before it starts, so measure both feet and choose the right width rather than sizing by feel.
2. Not sure of your size?
If you are unsure, our team can help you get the size right, and if a pair still does not feel right our easy 30-day returns let you swap without stress.
3. Keep your feet dry
Moisture softens the skin so it rubs and tears more easily. Moisture-wicking socks, changing out of damp socks quickly, and letting your shoes air and dry fully between wears all cut the dampness that leads to blisters.
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Quick questions
What causes blisters on your feet?
Foot blisters are usually caused by repetitive friction, often from ill-fitting or brand-new shoes, and made worse by moisture from sweaty feet or damp socks. Bony spots like bunions and prolonged exercise can also concentrate the rubbing that forms a blister.
Should you pop a blister?
No. Popping or squeezing a blister can open the skin to bacteria and infection. It is best left intact so the skin underneath can heal, unless a health professional advises otherwise.
How long do blisters take to heal?
Once the cause of the friction is removed and the blister is left alone, most heal within a few days. Larger blisters, or ones that have reopened, can take longer.
How do you stop shoes from giving you blisters?
Make sure your shoes fit properly (not too tight or too loose), wear moisture-managing socks, break new shoes in gradually, and address any pressure points. Removing the source of friction is the key to prevention.
When is a blister infected?
Signs of infection include spreading redness, warmth, pus, increasing pain or fever. If a blister looks infected, keeps returning, or you have diabetes or poor circulation, see a podiatrist or doctor.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. Blisters. my.clevelandclinic.org
- Healthdirect Australia. Blisters. healthdirect.gov.au