Guest Author - Hellie T.

What to do if you get a blister

If you become aware of a little’ hot' spot on your foot, stop walking and put on a blister dressing such as compeed or similar at once. If you are at home then some ice wrapped in a cotton cloth can be used to give relief.

The treatment of blisters varies – some studies have shown that blisters heal faster when drained. Others say you should cover them with a dressing such as moleskin and let them heal by themselves.It is your choice.

If a child gets a blister then you need to cover it with a dressing that covers a good area around the blister as well as the blister itself.
After a couple of days all the fluid will be reabsorbed into the skin however be very careful when you remove the dressing that you don’t damage the delicate skin underneath.

Some blister treatments such as Compeed cover the area then are warmed by the hand which improves their adhesive qualities and they do not come of even in the bath until the blister has healed, when they drop off painlessly. It is worth asking in your local drug store or chemist as they are particularly good for children (and adults!)

If your blister has burst by itself then you need to clean it with an antiseptic lotion before applying a dressing of your choice.

If you get a blister that is

very painful and shows no sign of healing after a couple of days
has yellow crusting around it
is red outside the actual area of the blister
oozes yellowy pus not fluid
Then take your foot to your doctor for a check-up as soon as possible.

Remember to prevent blisters occurring always:

Keep your feet as dry as possible.
Wear clean wicking socks for each walk you take.
Wear walking shoes that your feet fit properly.

Enjoy your walking!