Blisters are usually caused by friction and shearing forces (forces directed across the skin). Ill-fitting footwear can also be a cause and as a result, causes the layers of the skin to separate and fill with clear fluid or blood. Blisters can appear on both hands and feet from sustained rubbing, be it on socks, footwear or grip.
Blisters start as “hot spots”. Initially, the skin becomes tender and appears red and irritated. If the friction continues, the skin separates usually resulting in the area being filled with fluid.
The correct treatment is dependent on whether the blister is intact or torn open – each need to be treated differently. If the skin overlying the blister is still intact and not torn, allow this to remain in place for as long as possible as it acts as a protective layer. Also removing the skin exposes the underlying skin making it more susceptible to possible infection and allows raw nerve endings to be exposed.
Treatment
If the blister is filled with fluid, the pressure of this fluid is what is causing the pain and discomfort. Draining the fluid will instantaneously reduce the pain.
To do this correctly:
Treatment for Semi-Open Blisters
If the blister has a small tear, it is advised that as much skin tissue is salvaged as possible to allow the underlying skin to mature. Treatment for an semi-open blister is as follows:
Treatment for Open Blisters
If the open blister has completely torn:
How to Prevent Blisters From Forming
Sometimes this is easier said than done, but blisters form because of friction so you should try to keep friction to a minimum. I have personally found that wearing two pairs of socks helps hugely as it reduces the amount of friction – also regularly changing my socks to avoid them getting wet with sweat. I have heard of some people applying antiperspirant to the bottom of their feet to limit sweat.
Footwear that is too small or too big can also be the cause of blisters. Shoes which are too big allow the foot to slide back and forth causing “hotspots” and shoes which are too small can rub.
There is not much that can be done with preventing blisters on the hand apart from applying powder to absorb the perspiration – this can also be applied to feet.
Next blog post in the series "Common Badminton Injuries" will be regarding Tennis Elbow.
Blisters start as “hot spots”. Initially, the skin becomes tender and appears red and irritated. If the friction continues, the skin separates usually resulting in the area being filled with fluid.
The correct treatment is dependent on whether the blister is intact or torn open – each need to be treated differently. If the skin overlying the blister is still intact and not torn, allow this to remain in place for as long as possible as it acts as a protective layer. Also removing the skin exposes the underlying skin making it more susceptible to possible infection and allows raw nerve endings to be exposed.
Treatment
If the blister is filled with fluid, the pressure of this fluid is what is causing the pain and discomfort. Draining the fluid will instantaneously reduce the pain.
To do this correctly:
- Clean the area thoroughly with antiseptic.
- Sterilise a household needle by heating it.
- Gently apply pressure to one side of the blister causing the top skin to rise on one side.
- Create a small hole where the skin is raised to drain the fluid.
- Use a sterile gauze pad to gently push the fluid out of the blister until it has all been removed.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent possible infection
- Cover the blister with a bandage or plaster
- recheck and change dressing daily until skin has completely healed.
Treatment for Semi-Open Blisters
If the blister has a small tear, it is advised that as much skin tissue is salvaged as possible to allow the underlying skin to mature. Treatment for an semi-open blister is as follows:
- Clean thoroughly with antiseptic.
- Allow area to dry and apply antibiotic ointment to the open wound.
- Replace flap of skin (if possible) and cover with a sterile non-adhesive dressing.
- Recheck wound and change dressing daily until fully recovered.
- When the tenderness has gone trim away the dead skin.
Treatment for Open Blisters
If the open blister has completely torn:
- With sterile scissors, carefully remove any torn skin associated with the blister so it doesn’t tear into healthy skin.
- Clean with antiseptic.
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Cover with a bandage or plaster.
How to Prevent Blisters From Forming
Sometimes this is easier said than done, but blisters form because of friction so you should try to keep friction to a minimum. I have personally found that wearing two pairs of socks helps hugely as it reduces the amount of friction – also regularly changing my socks to avoid them getting wet with sweat. I have heard of some people applying antiperspirant to the bottom of their feet to limit sweat.
Footwear that is too small or too big can also be the cause of blisters. Shoes which are too big allow the foot to slide back and forth causing “hotspots” and shoes which are too small can rub.
There is not much that can be done with preventing blisters on the hand apart from applying powder to absorb the perspiration – this can also be applied to feet.
Next blog post in the series "Common Badminton Injuries" will be regarding Tennis Elbow.