What Causes Blisters On Feet?

You may wonder what causes blisters on feet when you discover one on your own. These small bubbles filled with fluid can cause quite a bit of discomfort and pain. The most common reason for foot blisters is friction. When the skin on your foot is hurting, your body will create a cushion made from fluid under the skin, and then the blister will form to stop the damage and give protection.

What Causes Blisters on Feet?

1.   Friction

Blisters on feet and toes are most commonly caused by friction. Friction occurs when you are wearing poor-fitted and newly-bought shoes or when you are exercising for a long time. This will lead to fluid accumulation under that spot on your foot. You are more likely to have blisters on your toes if your skin is warm and moist. This is often the case when you are perspiring during exercising.

People may think that repetitive motion and friction are the causes of blisters on feet. Actually, quick, sudden and intense rubbing of the skin is often the real cause. Repetitive and prolonged motion will most likely cause calluses on your feet.

2.   Heat

Your body will react to heat by forming blisters to protect your skin. You can get blisters because of sunburn or other kinds of burns such as the fire burn. When you are suffering from a first-degree burn, blisters may not form at first. However, second-degree burns result in blisters right away.

3.   Cold

What causes blisters on feet? Cold is another answer to this question. If your body tissue gets damaged from freezing weather, your blood vessels will push your blood away from your extremities to keep your body warm, then you will get frostbite on your feet. People often get blisters from second-degree frostbite.

4.   Chemicals

From a very young age, you have been taught to be careful around chemicals. Several of them are strong enough to irritate your skin and cause blisters. It is always a good idea to wear protective clothing and shoes when around harsh detergents or solvents.

5.   Fungal Infections

If you suffer from Athlete’s Foot, you may have small red blisters on your feet and toes. The fungus that causes this condition thrives in moisture. When you have to wear sock and shoes for a long time, your feet may be overly exposed to perspiration. As a result, fungus will grow and your feet will burn, itch and form blisters.

Blisters Treatments

Now that you know what causes blisters on feet, it is important to know that they often heal on their own with the fluid being absorbed back into your skin. However, there are a few things you can do to help heal faster and minimize your pain.

  • Keep the surrounding area dry and clean.
  • Don’t wear shoes unless you have to.
  • Don’t wear the footwear that caused the problem.
  • In the case of blisters smaller than a pea, use a protective covering like a cushioned band-aid to protect it.
  • Try to keep the blister from breaking and turning into an open wound that is susceptible to infection.
  • Seek medical treatments if you think an infection has formed.

When you have a blister that has already burst, do the following:

  • Wash the area with soap and water.
  • Unless pus is present or the skin flap is dirty, try to smooth it back down against the skin if possible. If you can’t, remove it very carefully and avoid damaging the skin around it.
  • Put antibiotic ointment on it and cover with bandage.

Blisters Preventions

  • Buy shoes that are well-fitting and comfortable.
  • Keep your shoes dry and change your socks often.
  • If your shoes or socks get wet, change out of them right away.
  • If you are susceptible to blisters, buy moisture-wicking socks that can draw moisture away from your skin.
  • Put sunblock on your feet if they will be exposed to the sun.
  • Apply powder to your feet to help keep the area dry.
  • When you realize a blister is forming, stop what you are doing.
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