Friction Blisters: A Common Skin Issue

Friction blisters are uncomfortable. Those new boots may have seemed perfect in the store, but they can cause significant pain until they're broken in – especially if they were too tight. Poorly fitting footwear is the leading cause of friction blisters, though excessive moisture can also play a role. This is why friction blisters are so prevalent among athletes and military personnel. With constant movement and sweat, these conditions are prime for blister formation.

Though painful, the creation of a blister is actually a protective response from your body. A friction blister forms when your skin repeatedly rubs against a surface. This causes irritation and redness, and the skin layers start to separate. In an attempt to minimize the friction, your body produces fluid that fills the space between the now irritated layers of skin, leading to the formation of a blister [source: Schwartz].

Friction blisters are something most of us have experienced at one point, and it's likely we'll encounter them again. The key is learning how to avoid them. Sometimes, it's as simple as changing your socks more often. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to prevent them, blisters can still occur, so it's also important to know how to treat them when they happen.

Keep reading to discover various methods for preventing and treating friction blisters.

How to Prevent Friction Blisters

Preventing blisters doesn't require much effort. It's mostly about choosing the right shoes, socks, and managing moisture. And while blisters are commonly associated with the feet, anyone who’s worn gloves and repeatedly swung a bat knows that hands can suffer from friction blisters too. So how can you prevent blisters, whether you're playing sports or going about your daily activities?

John Wooden is regarded as one of the greatest coaches ever. He led the UCLA men's basketball team from 1948 to 1975, winning 10 national championships. One of his keys to success was a seemingly simple trick: teaching players how to properly put on their socks. This wasn’t the only reason for his team's success, but it certainly helped reduce the number of blisters his players experienced. Wooden made sure his players smoothed out wrinkles in their socks, especially around the toes and heels—areas prone to blisters. He also emphasized wearing shoes that fit properly [source: ESPN]. There's a lesson to be learned from John Wooden: a few extra minutes spent on your shoes and socks each morning could save you from painful blisters later on.

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind. First, if your blisters are caused by shoes that don't fit properly, stop wearing them and invest in shoes that fit right. To ensure a good fit, wear the same type of socks or hosiery you normally would with those shoes, try both shoes on, and make sure you can wiggle your toes. It's also a good idea to shop for shoes in the afternoon, as your feet tend to swell at that time. Keep your feet dry, and if you tend to sweat heavily, avoid cotton socks since they trap moisture. If blisters tend to appear in places other than your feet, such as your hands, make sure to wear gloves when doing repetitive tasks like raking or lifting weights [sources: WebMD, Mayo Clinic].

So, what should you do if you've already ended up with a friction blister? Continue reading to find out how to treat these stubborn skin irritations.

How to Treat Friction Blisters

Even with all the effort you put into preventing friction blisters, you're bound to get a few in your lifetime. Sometimes, you don’t realize your shoes are causing irritation until it’s too late. Other times, it’s hard to change out of damp socks in time. It happens to everyone.

If a blister forms despite your best efforts, it's important to prevent infection. Watch for signs of infection, such as red, raw, pus-filled blisters or an increase in pain [source: Mayo Clinic].

If the blister's skin remains intact and appears to be healing, avoid puncturing it. Your skin serves as its own natural barrier against bacteria. Keep a closed blister uncovered when possible, or cover it loosely with a bandage or a moleskin pad if necessary [source: WebMD].

For large and painful blisters, draining them can help relieve pressure and is safe to do at home. Begin by sterilizing your skin and a needle with rubbing alcohol, then carefully puncture the edge of the blister. After draining, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with gauze, changing the dressing daily to keep it dry. If you have diabetes or circulation issues, it’s best to leave blister drainage to your doctor to prevent serious infection [source: WebMD].