Foot Blisters

Foot Blisters form when unprotected skin rubs on a rough part of the shoe, causing a skin tear, or red spot that can become an open wound, which can lead to infection. Foot blister treatment should be immediate to avoid infection and other complications.

Foot blisters form as your body's defense mechanism. A pool of bodily fluids collects under the irritated skin while a new layer of skin forms below it. This allows the skin beneath your foot blisters time to heal; however, if the outer layer of skin is punctured or torn before the lower layer heals, you are left with an open wound that is vulnerable to infection. Infection can be a serious problem if artery disease has caused reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, which can inhibit the body's ability to fight infection. For people with diabetes, severe nerve damage (neuropathy) can also inhibit their ability to feel pain, often causing minor problems such as simple foot blisters to become major complications. Though those with existing health problems are at a higher risk of developing further complications from foot blisters, everyone is at risk of infection when foot blisters form.

Prevent and Treat Foot Blisters

Foot blister treatment starts with always wearing proper fitting footwear, which can help reduce the friction and rubbing that can cause foot blisters to form, and making sure socks fit properly and do not wrinkle or bunch in the shoe. A daily foot care routine can also be instrumental in foot blister treatment and prevention. If your foot blisters pop before the lower layer of skin has healed, you may want to talk to your doctor or health care provider about foot blister treatment and how to avoid infection. Help keep feet healthy by taking these precautions.