The majority of foot and hand blisters, according to medical professionals they can be treated in the home by simple remedies at home.
It’s likely that you’ve had friction blisters when you’ve had the appearance of a bubble filled with fluid on your hand following picking up leaves or on the heels of your feet after trying on new shoes. The dilemma that often comes up in people’s minds is whether to break the bubble or leave it to stand in the situation that there’s an injury.
Here’s what doctors say that you should know about friction blisters. It includes the reasons why they occur, ways they can be treated and prevent them.
What exactly is a blister?
Friction blisters are the result of the skin’s contact with the object.
The blister that appears due to this may be painful, it’s generally something you can manage at home. Of course, there will be times when blistering can be more severe and if it gets infected, you must seek out a physician in accordance with the Cleveland Clinic.
Friction blisters can be caused by friction.
According to studies, blisters develop because of pressure and shear force applied to the skin area that is affected and are more likely to occur where the area is moist or damp. Researchers compared how a damp feet that had been placed within a laboratory controlled on its dry counterparts in a study that was released in Skin Research & Technology. Researchers observed that feet that were wet tend to get blisters, that was in line with research done in the past.
The diverse conditions cause the stratum spinosum, also known as the the underlying layer of cells to split off from the skin’s surface. The wound is immediately filled with a clear fluid that resembles plasma creating a bubble beneath the skin’s outer layer. According to McGill’s Office of Science and Society If the gap between the skin layers gets deeper and the skin layer is filled with blood.
“The three primary drivers of blister formation are friction, pressure, and the inability to drain moisture away from your skin,” states Fred H Brennan, Jr. Director for the University of South FL-BayCare family medical and sports medicine programs of Clearwater, Florida, to Health.
Who is the one who suffers from friction blisters most?
Friction blisters could affect virtually all. However, it can be an issue that is more prevalent for military personnel, athletes and people working in certain sectors. These injuries are typically suffered while walking, jogging or trekking, or when using tools or equipment for sports.
Based on dermatologists’ recommendations, among the most frequent places for friction blisters are:
- Hands, Fingers, Feets, Toes
Friction blisters can develop anywhere in the feet “where their shoes are irritating them in the incorrect manner,” according to Lisa Chipps, MD, an experienced dermatologist board-certified in Los Angeles. Patients rarely visit the doctor with friction blisters because “they know what caused it,” she says.
Hand blisters of weightlifters may become calluses as time passes According to the doctor Dr. Chipps. Hands of windsurfers have also suffered blisters as a result from the friction caused by gripping the boom.
The Dr. Brennan, who has studied friction blisters in elite military personnel and athletes and military personnel, has identified danger factors that can cause these injuries. These are:
- Itchy feet (such as sweaty hands or feet)
- Shoes that don’t work
- Transporting large loads
- A lack of management for diabetes
As per Dr. Brennan, lack of fitness could be the cause for foot blisters. “Your feet have to be broken in; they have to be toughened, if you will, so the skin on your feet adapts,” Dr. Brennan adds.
What is the best method to treat a blister caused by friction?
A friction blister can typically be treated at the home. Be aware that, as per the American Academy of Dermatology Association it can require a few weeks to recover (AAD). Here’s how to help speed the healing process:
Do not let the bubble burst.
In general, you should leave the bubble of fluid remain as is when it’s still in good condition. The doctor. Chipps adds, “It’s sterile inside, and you’ve got your own natural bandage in the bubble.” “The bubble’s skin protects the wound underneath it from germs or anything else getting inside,” which could result in infection.
A wound that is open should be treated and secured.
After washing the area with water and soap, apply Vaseline or Aquaphor prior to covering the area. Doctor. Brennan says that petroleum jelly is a good antibacterial barrier. Another option is wrapping the wound with the form of a hydrocolloid bandage. This assists in healing and also acts as an “friction-proof barrier,” according to Dr. Brennan. In accordance with the guidelines of the AAD the bandage should be applied with a slight amount of looseness in order to ensure that the absorbent pad sits slightly over the affected area.
If you must blow the bubble out, it with care.
If the blister is large and uncomfortable, or is located in an area that is a hindrance with normal activities, cleanse the area gently and then pierce the area of the blister using the aid of a needle that has been cleansed with rubbing alcohol. draining the fluid from under the skin. To keep the area safe it is important to keep the area of skin covered. Then, wash and secure the area (as as described previously).
Take care when there’s a flake of dead, dry skin.
The doctor Dr. Brennan advises, “Just gently remove that dead patch of skin once it’s already popped on its own.” Before applying additional ointment or an elastic bandage for the area, Dr. Brennan advises that Mayo Clinic recommends cutting away dead skin with sterilised tools like tweezers or scissors.
Fill the spaces.
Put a moleskin in the shape of a doughnut or another cushioning pad to the blister to decrease tension and stress. Apply a bandage over the area affected.
Blisters typically heal naturally according to the doctor. Brennan. If however, your cut becomes more painful and red or smells the likelihood is that it’s to be infected and you should seek out a medical professional immediately.
What do you need to do to prevent friction blisters?
The majority of blisters heal within one or two weeks (provided you don’t cause irritation to the area often) It’s better to stop blisters from occurring from the beginning. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Make sure that your boots or shoes are the right fitting.
- When you wear your shoes for a an extended period ensure that they are comfortable.
- Socks that are able to wick away moisture are suggested. If one pair isn’t sufficient to keep your feet clean, AAD recommends doubling up.
- If you’re suffering from hand burns due to physical or sports activities Wear gloves.
The Dr. Brennan recommends taking it easy on the very first day of spring, especially if you’ve been inside for the winter. According Dr. Brennan, it’s best gradual increase in your trek amount so that your feet adjust to the weight they’re carrying.
There is a reason why the Mayo Clinic recommends talcum powder to be placed on the inside the socks. Although this could be helpful in a short time as per Dr. Brennan, putting powder petroleum jelly, moisturiser on your feet prior to a race could cause blisters on your feet to worsen.
