Blisters: whether you are a sportsperson, work with handheld tools, or just someone who goes for fashion rather than comfort, one things is for sure, we have all suffered them.
Blisters are that painful fluid–filled lump that appears over irritated skin. It forms to protect the irritated skin from further agitation but often becomes an agitation itself. Everybody wants to avoid them at all cost as they are not only painful to deal with but they can deter you from carrying on your favourite activity or job while they are present.
Here are some key tips to never get blisters again
# 1 Dry Skin
This is a paramount piece of advice, blisters are usually caused by friction and a wet foot or hand will be softer and easier to irritate. There are several factors that will help you keep your feet and hands dry.
- Wear shoes and gloves that allow your feet and hands to breathe and moisture to evaporate.
- Use talc powder or other drying agents before you cover your feet and hands.
- Wear socks, they will absorb humidity and if you are wearing the right shoes allow it to evaporate. Also make sure your socks fit right and arent clumping.
- Be aware of this when cooking. If you just washed your hands and are about to whisk something for 5 minutes, make sure your hands are dry first.
# 2 Dont go dancing in new shoes
This one applies to all physical activities when you are wearing new shoes. Take a long walk in them first and make sure you are wearing the right size shoe.
# 3 Buy the right shoes
Remember that shoes for different sports are specialized to support your foot for the motions required in that sport. This means less sliding about inside the shoes, less friction and ultimately fewer blisters.
# 4 Gloves are not only for gardners and weightlifters
Wearing the right glove for the task be it anything from shoveling to wakeboarding will prevent your hand and fingers from directly rubbing onto the tools and equipment in use. Even if you are fighting a persistent screw with a thin screwdrive, USE A GLOVE, it will save you a nasty blister.
What to do if you already have a panful blister
The big question is do I pop it or not?
No
If its not causing any discomfort then let it be ! New skin is already forming underneath and the liquid causing the bump will be absorbed.
Yes
If you are in pain then you can pop it carefully from the side by opening the skin either with a sterile needle or a knife. In both cases make sure the tool has been sterilized with iodine, or rubbing alcohol. This will keep any germs from entering the layer between the old skin and the new skin. Next step is to keep the affected area clean with iodine or a local over-the-counter antibiotic.
Is it infected?
If germs do enter the wound then it may become infected. Whatch out for the following signs that an infection is present:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Throbbing
- Non clear liquid oozing out
In case the above signs are present individually are in combination with another you might have to clean the affected area more thoroughly and often. In such cases you can visit your doctor or an emergency room to have the wound cleaned and evaluated properly.
