Mister You Have a Blister

You’ve all been there. Blisters can be so intensely painful with no escaping the hurt, and they present themselves at the most inopportune times. If a shoe causes a blister, the only immediate relief is removal of the offending object, and that can be darn inconvenient. Usually blisters do not need to be treated by a doctor.

Most blisters are caused by friction by something that rubs repeatedly against your skin, like your shoe. If the rubbing did not occur at a rapid, repetitive rate, probably a much less painful callous would develop. But blisters are entirely different. The friction and moisture makes the skin soft and the continued chafing allows the outer skin layers to separate and moisture to accumulate beneath. The new unconditioned skin is where the pain originates. If you can cover the sore area with a Band-Aid and avoid further irritation, you may be able to prevent a blister from forming.

It is best to not pop a blister because infection can easily result. If the blister is very large and painful it may have to be popped. If that’s the case, the following steps should be taken:

• Wash the affected area
• Use a sterilized needle or razorblade to break the skin on the lower side
• Gently apply pressure to squeeze out the clear moisture
• Leave outer layer of skin intact (this protects the new skin)
• Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide
• Cover with a Band-Aid or gauze patch
• Keep the affected area clean by changing the bandage daily or each time it gets wet or dirty
• White or yellow fluid indicates presence of infection and you should see Dr. Vargas

If you suffer from diabetes or other nerve damaging conditions that affect your feet, see Dr. Vargas. Something which is seemingly as inconsequential as a blister can lead to serious complications.
There are other diseases and conditions such as psoriasis that can cause blisters on your feet. If you have blisters on your feet that are not friction blisters, call Dr. Vargas at (281) 313-0090 in Sugarland or (281) 342-8700 in Richmond/Rosenberg. He will need to examine and treat you.