It’s easy for your feet to get wet during this time of year. With the snow, and slush your feet are the first to take the brunt of wintery effects.  It’s important to keep them warm and dry so you can avoid pesky problems such as blisters.

Blisters are often painful, irritating, and caused by continuous friction, and moisture. When you get a blister, a watery fluid builds up on the skins surface. It usually stays clear, but can turn yellow with pus, which indicates a severe infection.  In some instances foot blisters can also be filled with blood. A blood blister’s occurs when damage happens to a blood vessel, and causes a bleed into the skin tissues. A blood blister happens from sudden impact or pinching of the skin, and not repetitive friction.

If you are experiencing blisters you should treat them as quickly as possible because you want to avoid infection.  Below are some tips for treatment and prevention of blisters.

How to treat blisters:

• Clean, and dry the affected area.
• Wash feet, and dry them gently – but be careful not to rub the affected area.
• Apply ointment, and cover the blister up.  You can buy ointment at any pharmacy.
• How to prevent blisters:
• Wear shoes that fit.
• Keep your feet dry!  Which means you should wear boots with socks.  If your shoes and socks become wet, make sure to dry them out before putting them back on again.
• Change socks regularly, and use foot powder to keep them dry

References:http://www.blistersonfeet.com/preventing-blisters-on-feet http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/foot/blisters.htm

No matter what type of blister you may have, it’s important that if it’s not healing to come into the Oregon Foot Care Center and see us. We are here to help you – call and set up an appointment today!

K.G. Gauntt, DPM