3 common causes of blisters and how to prevent them from preventing them

No pain, no profit? No when it comes to blisters. These small pockets of pure liquid under the skin may seem harmless but they are nothing but – they can even be grueling If there are parts of the body, you have to navigate the day (like your legs!).

Unfortunately, they are often part of life if you are active – at least until science finds a way to actually prevent them from forming. But it is a dream because blisters have a real purpose.

What are blisters?

“Blisters are a natural way to protect you,” says Johanna Yououn, MD, a podiatrist based in New York. They are formed where friction is over too friction, including your hands and feet. “The fluid is collected between the layers of the skin and acts as a pillow,” he explains.

What causes blisters?

Here are a few of the most common reasons why blisters are formed on your feet.

1. Shoes that don’t fit

One of the most common causes of minting blisters is poorly fitting shoes. When there is too much space for the leg to move in free shoes, this can lead to excessive friction to pressure areas that can form blisters.

“I saw some terrible, painful blisters from people who bought shoes that were too big,” says Dr. Young. “If the leg is wiping intensely.” repetitiveIt will increase the chance of blistering. ”

2. Moisture

Excessive moisture can also be great factorBecause it can weaken the skin and make it more susceptible to tears. Therefore, you often feel an unmistakable feeling of blistering when you walk with wet socks and shoes.

3. Allergies

In some cases blisters or skin irritation may form as a result of allergic reaction to certain chemicals or materials.

How to prevent blisters

Follow these tips to prevent the blisters from shaping on your feet.

1. Invest in the right shoes

Finding a well -fitting shoe can change the world in blister prevention. “Don’t look at this number,” says Dr. Young. “Many people wear shoes that are too small.”

The best bet is to get the size in a running specialized store that offers its own assembly. Experts measure your walking and other physiological aspects of your body and then recommend the best shoe for your unique situation.

Dr. Young also recommends wearing breathable shoes (especially if you have sweaty legs) to ease moisture.

2. Get counterclaim socks

Socks are often thought out, but are also important. For example, WrightSock’s Double -layer socks Place the inner and outer layer that eliminates excessive friction and moisture. However, there are other similar socks that can prevent blisters.

Some runners even decided to wear knee pantyhose under a pair of socks to reduce friction-thought is that the friction that occurs between your skin and socks is transferred to two pairs of socks themselves and leaves your skin in the room.

3.

David Newman, Ultramarathon runner (up to 100 miles at a time!), Uses some serious protection for his well -worn legs. “For my long races, I foamed my legs in Vaseline and then covered the blisters or places that often have been groomed with surgical tape,” he says. “In this way there is absolutely no glitter.”

You probably don’t have to go so far, but keeping a pain at bay may mean the difference between completing training or sitting on the sidelines.

Blister treatment

Sometimes blisters occur, no matter how many preventive measures you take. When this happens, it requires a lot of TLC to help them recover.

If you notice a “hot spot” or pain, immediately bandage it to prevent further damage, Dr. Yououra. “It will act as a second skin and the skin will react to try to repair.”

If you do not have access to the bandage, insert a layer between the affected area and whatever hurts. A napkin, paper towel or gauze can help reduce friction, he adds.

“If the blister is open, clean it with soap and water, apply neosporin and bandage,” he says, adding that liquid bandages are also a solid choice to cover stains. “Adding powder helps, especially with 100 % corn starch. It absorbs moisture and goes a long way to keep you safe. ”

Should you have pop blisters?

Backpacker Steve Silberberg routinely discovers blisters when hiking is with one of his groups Fitpacking Tour.

“I gave neosporin (or similar to antibacterial) (on the blister) and a bandage cover,” he says. “Then to allow people to continue tourism, I cover the whole thing with adhesive tape.”

This is an extreme way to deal with them, but cracking is not necessarily dangerous.

“It is best to leave nature, but if it hurts when you walk or run, then blister pop,” says Dr. Young. “Wash your hands, clean your skin and a needle with alcohol.” Then carefully pierce the blister and gently push to make the blister the liquid. ”

Apply neosporin and bandage cover, advises. “If you have the ability, soak in an EPSOM salt bath and apply the neosporin again to avoid infection.” And do not suffer from blistering skin – it hurts and can also increase your chances of infection.