Prevent and Heal Blisters for a More Comfortable Workout

Blisters occur wherever there is repeated chafing. Commonly found on feet, they can also form on the hands of tennis players and triathletes can even get them from their bikes. The first step in banishing blisters is to prevent them from forming. If they do form, know how to treat them quickly and efficiently.

Prevent Blisters

There are several ways to prevent blisters from forming. Try these prevention tips if you are prone to blisters.

Be sure your shoes fit correctly. Save yourself a lot of pain and discomfort by choosing shoes that are the right size and width for your feet. Adjust your laces until it is the most comfortable; tightening or loosening shoelaces can make a huge difference.

Give even well-fitting shoes time to be broken in before wearing them for a long workout or event. Be ready to change out of your new shoes before blisters occur.

Avoid cheap tube socks. Look for high-quality, thick socks that are created for the athlete. Sports-specific socks may seem like an unnecessary expense, but they are worth it for the serious athlete and the weekend warrior alike. Limping through your days and missing workouts can be avoided with quality socks.

Carry a spare pair of socks. Change your socks as soon as they become wet. Blisters are more likely to form when your skin is damp.

Placing sweatbands above your ankles will also keep sweat from running down and socking your socks.

Keep your toenails trimmed and care for your feet. This is a common sense tip to help you easily avoid blisters.

Try using moleskin pads over areas that are prone to blisters.

Use a lubricant. Vaseline works fine, or use a combination of A&D ointment, Vaseline, vitamin E cream and aloe vera cream as a healing barrier to banish blisters.

Heal Blisters

If a blister shows up, be ready to treat it right away to keep infection at bay and restore your skin to a pain-free state.

Cut a hole in a piece of moleskin the size of the blister. Gently place it over the blister, so that the bubble is exposed through the opening. The pad will allow you to continue working out, but will prevent any further chaffing of the skin.

Use Tamanu oil, a topical aid that promotes wound healing. Apply a couple of drops to the blister, then cover the area with a bandage to protect the skin.

Full-blown bubbles can be drained using a sterilized needle. According to Sports Medicine research, "clinical experience suggests draining intact blisters and maintaining the blister roof results in the least discomfort and may reduce the possibility of infection."

Overall, be aware of your feet. Caring for your feet translates into better fitness. You do not want to be sidelined because of a blister, but if you do get one, let it heal!

References

Beginner Triathlete - Blister Prevention and Care - http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1632

Medicine Hunter - Tamanu Oil - http://www.medicinehunter.com/tamanu.htm