Blister
First Aid and Treatment
Not having the proper footwear is the main cause of blisters
on your feet. Perhaps your socks are too large or your shoes
are either too large or too small. The friction blister is
a very common complaint.
Blisters
are commonly found with frostbite, burns as well as caused
by friction. We do address burn blisters under first aid for
burns. Treatment is very similar, regardless of the cause.
Prevention
of Blisters
One should always have good fitting socks and shoes before
going on long treks in the outdoors. If not, blisters can
easily occur. They are commonly seen in sporting activities.
Blister
Treatment
Mismanaged
blister treatment is a common occurrence. Many individuals
believe that you should not pop or remove a blister. This
is still a controversial issue. As a healthcare provider,
I have had good success with the following treatment: If you
have medical care that is close by, go ahead and pop the blister
and remove it. The skin is dead. It is not painful. After
cutting the blister away, irrigate the wound by cleaning with
water. Apply a topical antibiotic such as Bacitracin and bandage.
Adhere to wound care instructions such as keeping the wound
clean and covered during the day, leaving it open to air at
night. Watch for signs of infection.
The times
when you want to leave a blister intact is when you are a
long way from medical care. Blisters act as a nice shield.
These will usually rupture anyway. Some individuals believe
you should go ahead and rupture the blister, but leave the
skin intact as a protective layer and shield against infection.
However this healthcare provider has also seen infections
occur as a result of this treatment plan, hence the need to
remove the overlying skin.
I have
seen numerous athletes try to play through the pain after
the blister has ruptured. I have seen secondary infections
that occur when these are not treated, and they continue to
play basketball, baseball or track, and more blisters develop
in the area. Of course the ideal treatment is to stay off
of the foot, decrease your running for at least 7-10 days
until you get good healing of the area.
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