PODIATRIST DISCUSSES BLISTER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

“The best way to prevent blisters is to take steps to stop any rubbing or friction from converting an area of irritation to a full-blown blister,” says Christopher Hood, DPM. It's best not to pop a blister. If you must pop, Dr. Hood recommends first cleaning the area with antiseptic and using a sterile instrument to drain the fluid. Anyone whose immune system is compromised should skip popping on their own. “One hint when deciding where to place the hole in the blister is to perform this at the ‘bottom,’ or lowest part, of the blister so that gravity will allow it to continue to drain,” says Dr. Hood.

 

Dr. Christopher Hood

 

“For example, if you have a blister on the back of your heel, place the hole at the six o’clock position so that while you’re standing all day the fluid will run and exit the bottom, versus placing it at the twelve o’clock position, where it would not be able to drain and the fluid would re-collect in the bottom portion.” Dab on a little antibiotic cream like Neosporin to avoid infection, and then cover the blister on your foot with a bandage. If you notice signs of infection, like if the area becomes red, hot, or swollen, or if you see pus, call your doctor or podiatrist, Dr. Hood says.

 

Source: Emily Shiffer, SELF [1/24/20]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News