Blisters are a very common foot problem that is usually caused by excess rubbing on your footwear. Your skin responds to this friction by producing a pus-filled area on your skin. The fluid in a blister is most often clear, but it can also be slightly red or pink if bleeding is present. A yellow fluid discharge could be a sign of infection. Blisters can also be exacerbated by excessive perspiration and fungal or bacterial infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
What Causes Blisters?Blisters are often caused by shoes that are too tight, but they can also occur when shoes are too loose and your feet move around too much while rubbing on the interior. Always wear properly-fitted shoes with good arch support and extra room in the toe box.
The majority of blisters can be treated at home if they have no bleeding or signs of infection. By inserting a sterilized needle into the edge of the blister and draining out the pus, you keep the blister from popping and possible becoming more painful and infected.
Clean and sterilize—Wash the area with soap and warm water, then wipe the area down with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.Prick the edge of the blister with a sterilized needle—Insert a sterilized needle into the edge of the blister where it meets the surrounding skin to puncture the blister.Drain the fluid from the blister—Carefully squeeze the blister with a cotton ball and slowly push the pus out while keeping the skin intact to prevent future infection and help the healing process.Bandage—Use hydrogen peroxide to clean the area and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover with a large bandaid or sterile bandage.If you have hard-to-treat blisters on your feet, consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844and schedule an appointment today!