That’s right. We all have gotten them. This is your guide on how to get them and why you shouldn’t pop them.
This is a very extreme case of blisters post a 5km speed walk. The member sustained these blisters with no pre-cursor injuries prior to the walk commencing, and those of you who have ever seen the bad side of trying to break in new shoes may understand how much even a minor blister can cause discomfort. This member received ongoing wound care and pain relief.
It’s important to know that breaking in your new shoes aren’t the only way that blisters can occur, so we’ve compiled a list of some causes:
- Burns – yes, this includes sunburn
- Shingles
- Rubbing on skin/Friction
- Cold Sores/Herpes
- Eczema
Now, the big question – should you pop the blister?
By bursting the blister, you are introducing a way that an infection can be introduced so it’s not a recommendation to peel or pop your blisters. However, if they’re already open, then you should treat them as you would a wound. Ensure that you follow your first aid for wound care treatment protocols so that you’re less likely to introduce or grow an infection in the blister – if you’re unsure on how to do this then we’ve got you covered on any of our HLTAID011 inclusive courses.
Another issue is that sometimes blisters are infectious themselves, for example in the case of shingles, the fluid from the blisters of the infected patient can transfer the initial virus to the person coming into contact with it (1). So, ensure that if you happen to find blisters that were not caused by friction or a burn, that you recognise why you have the blister and if it’s infectious or not.
What to do about the pain? Well, some topical analgesia (such as a cream) will help, but it is recommended that you find the reason for the blister first and then treat that. If you suspect shingles or herpes, you should seek help from your GP as soon as you notice the blisters appear.
Prevention is better than cure, so here are some hot tips from us to you, mi compadre;
- Slip slop slap – where sunblock and reapply when you’re out in the sun, yes, sunburn causes blisters too
- When you’re starting to feel a hotspot from friction, just have a quick eyes on and see if it needs a dressing before it gets bigger and angrier
- As soon as you feel a hot spot strap some fixomull (an adhesive-like tape, commonly used with strapping tape) or a barrier in between the blister and what is causing the friction
If you have any mad blister stories, drop us an email – we love them!
What is shingles? (with pictures). (2022). Retrieved 16 July 2022, from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/what-is-shingles-with-pictures
