All about blisters: origin, prevention and treatment

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Walking is one of the most popular ways to stay active. But whether you’re training for a hike, counting your daily steps, or just enjoying a leisurely stroll, blisters can be a real deal-breaker. In this article, we’ll tell you all about how blisters form, how to prevent them, and what to do if you do get one.

How do blisters form?

Blisters are caused by friction. As you walk, your skin rubs against your socks or shoes. This constant friction causes fluid to build up under the top layer of skin, resulting in a fluid-filled blister. Imagine a small pocket of fluid that acts as a cushion to protect the underlying tissue from further damage. This natural mechanism helps the body, but it can also be quite uncomfortable. If the friction continues, the blister can burst and cause a painful wound.

Blisters aren’t the only ones who suffer from them. Even short walks or new shoes can be enough to cause a blister. Luckily, there are ways to prevent blisters so you can hit the trail without worry.

5 Tips to Prevent Blisters

With these tips you can significantly reduce the chance of blisters and walk more comfortably, even over long distances.

1. Choose the right shoes

It all starts with properly fitting shoes. Shoes that are too big or too small cause friction, which increases the chance of blisters. Pay attention to the following points when choosing shoes:

  • Buy shoes in the afternoon, because your feet are slightly swollen then.
  • Make sure there is enough room at the toes, but that the heel fits snugly.
  • Always break in new shoes before walking long distances.

2. Wear suitable socks

Socks play an important role in preventing blisters. Invest in good socks:

  • Seamless socks : these reduce friction. Some socks have an annoying thick seam. This seam goes between your bare foot and your shoe and causes friction, and this friction can cause a blister. Seamless socks are either knitted in one piece, which means they are literally seamless, or the seam is made in such a way that it is flat, smooth and almost unnoticeable, and therefore cannot cause friction.
  • Socks that absorb sweat, such as bamboo fiber socks: the bamboo socks by Julien Deluxe are also seamless. So you kill two birds with one stone in the fight against blisters!
  • Socks that fit perfectly: not too big and not too small. For long walks, you can change your socks for a clean pair halfway through the day to avoid moisture. Damp skin increases the chance of blisters.

3. Use talcum powder

Sweaty feet combined with friction is a major cause of blisters. Sprinkle some talcum powder in your shoes or on your feet before you go out. Talcum powder absorbs moisture, keeping your skin dry. Be careful that the talcum powder does not clump together into lumps that can chafe, which in turn increases the chance of blisters.

4. Tape vulnerable areas

Do you often suffer from blisters in specific areas, such as your heel? Protect those areas by applying preventative sports tape. Apply the tape in layers for extra protection. For shorter walks, a blister plaster can also be effective.

5. Take good care of your feet

Healthy skin is less prone to blisters. Treat your feet with a skin-strengthening ointment, such as camphor spirit, and wash your feet with water only. Do not use soap, as this softens the skin. Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, including between the toes.

What to do about a blister?

If you do get a blister, follow these steps to prevent further irritation and speed up healing:

  • Cover the blister : Use a special blister plaster to keep the area clean, dry and protected.
  • Leave the skin intact : If the blister bursts on its own, do not remove the loose skin. This will protect the wound from infection.
  • Clean carefully : Wash the blister with soap and water, and gently dry the area before applying a new plaster.
  • Keep the plaster on : Do not remove the plaster until it falls off by itself. This is a sign that the blister has healed.
  • Consult a doctor : Contact a doctor if the blister shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or pain.

Finally

Blisters are an annoying but common ailment for hikers. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce the chance of blisters. Make sure you have good footwear, wear suitable socks and keep your feet dry and healthy. This way, you can continue hiking without worries and enjoy every step!

Julien Deluxe shares her expertise about socks with you