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A blister is a bubble of fluid under the skin. The clear, watery liquid inside a blister is called “serum.” It develops as a reaction to injured skin. If the blister remains unopened, the serum can provide natural protection for the skin beneath it. Small blisters are called vesicles. Those larger than half an inch are called bullae in the medical community. A blood blister is filled with blood, rather than serum.

What causes a foot blister?

The most common cause of blisters on our feet are from wearing shoes that are the wrong size. This could mean that the shoe is too long, too short, too narrow or too wide. It might also mean that the toe box does not have enough depth or that the shape of the shoe is not appropriate (E.g. pointy toe vs. rounded toe). Your skin is actually layered, and when there is friction or trauma, the layers move on one another and fluid collects in the affected pocket.  This underscores the importance of finding the right shoe fit.

Other causes of foot blisters are:

Allergies – Contact Dermatitis is the medical term for an allergic skin reaction. Certain fabrics, detergents, adhesives, soaps, plants or creams can cause a rash with small blisters. A Chiropodist can prescribe a topical cream to help with the itch, redness and discomfort.

Irritation – Chemical exposure or extreme temperatures (sunburns, frostbite) can cause blistering. Trauma, such a dropping something on your foot, may also create a blister, and in some cases, a blood blister. Medical advice should be sought to determine if there was also an underlying bone broken and if the blister should be drained.

Infection – Bacteria, Viruses and Fungal infections can all cause blistering. It is important to visit your local Chiropodist if you develop blisters to determine if a medication is required to clear the infection, before it spreads.

Medications – Some medications can cause blistering as a reaction to the medication or because they increase the sun’s intensity, causing burns more easily. If you started a new medication and suddenly noticed blistering, contact your doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) right away!

Conditions/Disease – Some hereditary diseases cause blistering, and other acquired conditions can also cause blisters to develop (e.g venous diseases). This is why medical evaluation of blisters is so important. It may be an opportunity to identify a condition that needs to be treated.

Why visit a chiropodist or footcare nurse for a foot blister?

Chiropodists can assess and treat skin conditions, including blisters. They recommend you keep the blister intact until you see them, so they can safely drain it in a controlled medical environment if needed. They will recommend or prescribe a medication if it is needed to help the healing process, and assess for footwear fit and foot shape.

A Footcare Nurse is trained in blister care and wound care. They will be able to recommend best next steps and care for the blister or wound, in conjunction with a visit to your family Doctor, NP or Chiropodist.

Find a BioPed Chiropodist or Footcare Nurse, by clicking HERE