How to prevent running blisters?

The weather is getting warmer, and many runners should be ready to start outdoor running. Due to the long outdoor running time, the skin of the feet will be heated by friction with shoes and socks for a long time, which will lead to the separation of the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue, and the formation of blisters caused by the infiltration of tissue fluid. The occurrence of "blisters" is also a headache for many running enthusiasts. Although the blisters are small, if they are not handled properly, it is easy to make things worse and affect future running. Today, I'm going to share with you some popular science about the blisters that runners often develop, and how to solve them!

Common causes of foot blisters:

1. Long-term friction of the feet: Blisters caused by friction are the most common cause. Due to the long-term friction between the skin and shoes and socks during running, the subcutaneous tissue cannot move with the surface skin, and the two will move in different directions Cracks due to force, at this time, tissue fluid quickly enters the crack, forming blisters. Therefore, any practice that will increase friction is not advisable. Specifically, excessive pace and improper shoes will increase friction. In addition, structural abnormalities of the feet, such as bunions, heel spurs, and hammer toes, can also make friction blisters more likely.

2. Moist skin on the feet: Due to long-term running, the body will continue to sweat, the soles of the feet will be damp and the temperature will rise, the cuticle will soften, and blisters will appear. If your feet are already wet in the hot summer, you should always have several pairs of socks for outdoor running, and replace them in time when you feel sweaty. 

What to do with blisters on your feet :

Blisters with a diameter of more than 5 mm:

It is recommended to puncture the large types of blisters, but pay attention to the treatment of blisters in a sterile environment.

1. First, use iodophor cotton swabs to draw a circle around the blisters from the center to the surrounding area to disinfect the skin here.

2. Use a disposable sterile blood glucose needle to pierce the edge of the blister.

3. Then use a sterile cotton swab to absorb the exudate from the blister.

4. Put on hydrocolloid blister plaster, which can provide a slightly acidic environment conducive to wound healing, accelerate wound healing, prevent the invasion of foreign microorganisms, and reduce the incidence of wound infection. Its texture is very soft and can relieve wound pain. Use It is also very convenient.

The diameter of the blister is less than 5 mm:

If the blisters are not very large, no special treatment is required. The skin will slowly absorb the liquid inside, and it will not greatly affect the activities. It is generally not recommended to puncture the blisters. If the blisters are not resisted, it is likely to cause wound infection.

How to prevent blisters?

It can be seen from the above that the direct cause of the blisters caused by running is the formation of excessive temperature and friction. Therefore, to prevent blisters, reduce the friction between the foot skin and shoes. Here are a few small methods you can try.

1. Put Hydrocolloid Blister Plaster on the parts of the feet that are prone to friction, which can reduce friction and reduce friction and heat generation.

2. Bring a few more pairs of socks and change them every 10 kilometers to keep your feet dry and cool.

3. Bring a few wet paper towels, wipe your feet clean every time you change socks, and wet paper towels can also cool your feet.

4. Usually you can soak your feet more, and apply Vaseline on the skin of the feet to prevent dry skin.

For more information on Innomed® hydrocolloid blister plaster, refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly.

At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: January 30, 2023