How to Get Rid of a Blister on Your Foot
9 Healing Home Cures for Blisters
Don't let bothersome blisters sideline your feet. Try one of these Everyday Health reader-recommended and dermatologist-vetted home remedies to soothe these painful foot sores.
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For all of their strappy and colorful cuteness, summer sandals have one major downside: blisters on feet or heels. When temperatures heat up, your feet swell and sweat, which causes friction against your shoes — even comfy ones — and those painful, fluid-filled blisters on feet or heels can follow.
So, what's the best way to avoid getting blisters on feet? First, make sure your shoes fit you just right. "If they pinch in the store, chances are they'll pinch when you wear them for the first time," says Everyday Health's Jessica Wu, MD, a dermatologist in Los Angeles and author of Feed Your Face. Most important, once you have blisters on feet or heels, resist the urge to pop it. "Popping a blister can introduce infection, and often the blister comes right back the same day," advises Dr. Wu. Instead, keep the blister covered with a bandage until it dries up.
Wondering how to get rid of a blister or how to treat blisters? Dermatologists recommend the following:
- Protect it from tearing. Cover blisters on feet or heels loosely with a gauze bandage.
- Keep the blister clean. If you accidentally tear the blister, causing its liquid to secrete, be sure to keep it clean and loosely covered with a gauze bandage. You don't want the top of the gauze to stick to the skin, nor do you want dirt or bacteria to enter the blister and risk infection.
- Ideally, avoid popping or draining blisters on feet or heels, as this might lead to infection. But if a blister is large or looks like it will pop on its own, you can drain the fluid and relieve the discomfort. Sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol. Using the needle, carefully pierce one edge of the blister to allow some of the fluid to drain.
- Keep the area clean and covered. Once your blister has drained, wash the area with soap and water and apply petroleum jelly. Do not remove the "roof" of the blister, as this will protect the raw skin underneath as it heals.
- Call the doctor. If the blister becomes red or expands in size, or if there is discolored discharge, see your doctor for treatment.
To prevent blisters on feet, it's important to wear shoes that are comfortable and provide good support. Inappropriate shoes increase the risk of blisters on feet and heels. Studies show that most women wear their shoes too small, which can greatly increase pressure on the feet and ankles, resulting in damage to the skin. Get shoes that support your weight yet don't put abnormal pressure on the skin.
To find the best fitting shoe, talk to a podiatrist or go to a specialty shoe store. The doctor may prescribe orthotics or a specially designed insert for your shoe, to alleviate abnormal rubbing that causes blisters on feet or heels.
We know blisters are usually too annoying to stick to a strict watch-and-wait approach to healing. So we asked Everyday Health Facebook fans for their favorite home remedies to help blisters heal. Here, their best — and wackiest — advice, with input from Wu.
*All products and services featured here are selected by Everyday Health's commerce team and chosen for their potential to inspire and enable your wellness. Everyday Health may earn an affiliate commission on items you purchase.
Try Pure Aloe Vera Gel for Blisters on Feet
"Aloe is what I use. It's also a healer. I like [using it straight from] the plant the best." — Teresa McGinnis
Dr. Wu says: "This is a great idea. Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it helps relieve redness and swelling. Plus it's very hydrating, and keeping skin moist helps it heal faster, especially once the blister pops on its own and shrivels up."
Pure Aloe Vera Gel, $5.69, Thrivemarket.com
Apple Cider Vinegar
"Soaking [the blister] is the best, otherwise dabbing on vinegar works great also. It's an old-time remedy that my husband's grandmother taught me." — Hannah Ackler
Dr. Wu says: "Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, so it could help prevent infection once the blister pops. But even then — ouch! Vinegar is likely to sting, so if you use it, dip a cotton swab into the vinegar, and gently swab around the open or popped area."
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, $4.99, Thrivemarket.com
Underarm Deodorant
"To prevent blisters on your feet when wearing strappy sandals, rub some deodorant on the area first. It will let the straps slide across the skin but not rub." — Amy Hansen
Dr. Wu says: "Deodorant prevents odor. Antiperspirant, though, prevents moisture. So antiperspirants would work better at preventing foot blisters. This is a great idea, since foot blisters are worsened by moisture and friction."
SweatBlock Antiperspirant, $18.99, Amazon.com
Diaper Rash Cream
"[I treat blisters] with an application of diaper rash cream with zinc oxide. I think I use more diaper rash cream now that my kids are grown then when they were babies. I swear by that stuff." — Nunu-Cupcake Hurt-Doyle
Dr. Wu says: "Diaper rash creams are meant to prevent infection and dry out the area, so it wouldn't hurt, but it would probably be thick and messy."
Nurturing Balm Diaper Rash Cream, $7.49, Thrivemarket.com
Black Tea
"Applying black tea on the affected area helps soothe blisters." — Tula Yoga-Central
Dr. Wu says: "Black tea has anti-inflammatory properties, but green tea has more, so soak in cold green tea instead of black."
Pyramid Black Tea, $4.69, Thrivemarket.com
Pure Green Tea, $3.49, Thrivemarket.com
Toothpaste
"Colgate toothpaste takes the pain out." — Tina M. Owen
Dr. Wu says: "I know people use toothpaste to 'dry out' various things on their bodies: pimples, blisters, sores. But the actual condition probably would've dried on its own in a day or two anyway. If you do use toothpaste, choose one that's not flavored with cinnamon, which can irritate the skin."
Colgate Regular Fluoride Toothpaste, $6.14, Amazon.com
Egg
"I add broken egg to the surface of the blister. I was taught [this trick] when I was a little girl and it works for me." — Linda Ahamrowlands
Dr. Wu says: "I've never heard of this, and don't know how it would work."
Tea Tree Oil Ointment
"[I like to use] tea tree oil ointment." — Claire Robinson Vitale
Dr. Wu says: "It has some antibacterial properties and is an astringent, which helps dry up the blister. For most people it wouldn't hurt, but for some, it could irritate the skin."
Tea Tree Oil Skin Ointment, $10.99, Amazon.com
Saltwater Soak
"[I use a] saltwater foot soak. Ahhhhh." — Pepper Pascal
Dr. Wu says: "This wouldn't hurt, but it wouldn't do much other than clean off the dirt and sweat."
How to Get Rid of a Blister on Your Foot
Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/foot-health-pictures/healing-home-cures-for-blisters.aspx