A blister is a small pocket of fluid within the upper layers of the skin (between dermis and epidermis), typically caused by forceful rubbing (friction) or burning. An irritated red skin is the first sign. The most common cause is a poor fitting shoe combined with an activity that creates excessive friction on a certain part of the foot. Generally the size and the location of the blisters will determine the amount of pain.

Blisters are the most common sports injury. The pain can severely interrypt the performance of an athlete – distance runners, hikers, hunters, and non-athletes alike. The most frequent protocol is after-care: treating a blister for days following activity to promote healing and protect against cintinued skin damage. 

Walking on a hot surface or walking on a hot summer day increases the temperature of the feet. This increase of temperature amplifies when pinching shoes or badly ventilated shoes are used. The higher temperature increases the risk for blistering; higher temperature demands only very little friction to weaken the different skin layers and to provoke a blister. On the other hand, cold, diminishes the blood circulation which itself increases also the risk for having a blister.

How to handle a blister?

• Closed blister
  • If the blister causes no excessive pain, it’s much better to leave it like it is. Piercing the blister can cause secondary infections. Apply a solft silicon dressing with ReSkin technology over the blister. 
    If necessary, drain the blister without removing the top portion of it The best way to do this is to clean a needle with alcohol, then pierce the blister in at least two places. Put pressure on the cap of the blister to squeeze out the fluid. Once drained it is important to not remove the cap as this acts as a protective barrier against the raw skin that in on the bottom of the blister.
• Open blister
  • It is impotant to cleanse or disinfect the wound as the weel as the surrounding skin. Apply a soft silicone dressing with ReSkin technology over the wound. 
    The best way to diminish the risk shear wounds is to make sure that the patient is sitting in an upright position. Take care that the patient can’t glide to a half-sitting position, a major concern which in many cases leads to a shear wound.
    Use a proper lifting technique to move the patient. Make sure you lift the patient properly; do not try to lift the patient by tearing him into a new position.