What is a blister?

Almost everyone has had a blister at some point in their life, whether it’s a foot blister caused by an ill-fitting shoe, a blister on their hand from a long day of working in the yard or a blister that appears after getting burned. Of course, there are different types of blisters because there are a variety of things that cause them.

A blister is a small fluid-filled pocket or bubble, that occurs when the outer layers of the skin are damaged. The fluid in the pocket is typically what is known as serum. The serum is the watery fluid leftover after red blood cells and blood-clotting agents have been removed from your blood.

The clear serum in your blister has a purpose — it fills in under the damaged layer of skin to create a soft barrier between the inflicted area and the fragile tissue underneath. This means your body has its very own blister treatment: this natural process allows the damaged skin to heal.

 

Types of Blisters

The main three types of common blisters:

• Friction Blisters – When a friction blister occurs the layers of epidermal cells separate, and the gap is filled with fluid which forms a blister. Commonly, friction blisters occur on your feet due to constant pressure and rubbing of the skin with another object, such as an unfamiliar shoe, but it also can occur due to skin on skin rubbing.

• Blood Blisters– These are very similar to a friction blister; however, the fluid contains a mix of blood and clear fluid. It fills with blood due to a broken blood vessel under the raised skin. Same as friction blisters, blood blisters are caused by friction of the skin with another object or skin on skin rubbing.   

• Heat Blisters– A blister that usually forms because of a burn on an area of your body. These blisters are the body’s natural way to protect your underneath skin while it heals. 

 

How to Prevent Most Blisters:

Blisters are known to form quickly if there is pressure and movement on the skin. To prevent the friction or chafing that can lead to blisters and possibly ruin your day, try these different tips:

1. Keep your feet dry.

Many times, blisters are more likely to occur when your foot is damp. Try using moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet as dry as possible. Recommended Product: 2Toms BlisterShield

 

 

2Toms BlisterShield
Advanced Blister Prevention

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A powder formula that creates an almost frictionless surface on the foot, reducing heat build-up and blister formation. This silky blister prevention powder repels moisture to keep your skin dry and blister-free for lengthy periods of activity.

 

2. Wear the right type of clothing and shoe size.

Try to avoid clothing made of cotton as cotton tends to absorb sweat and moisture. Wearing loose clothing may help you reduce the friction between your skin and the material.

Make sure your shoes are not too small or too large. If your shoes are too tight, the material will likely dig into your feet and cause blisters. If they are too big, your feet will move around and rub against the shoe causing irritation and blisters.

 

3. Protect your skin from friction and chafing.

Try adding an additional layer of protection anywhere skin friction may occur. Recommended Product: 2Toms SportShield - Blister and Chafing Prevention

 

 

2Toms SportShield
Chafing and Blister Prevention

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A revolutionary formula that helps prevent friction that causes chafing and blisters. Apply on thighs, chest, arms, feet or anywhere skin friction may occur. It lasts all day and is sweat and waterproof.

 

4. Identify the potential "hot spots".

If you already know the areas of your body that are more prone to blister, protect or cover those "hot spot" areas to prevent irritation and blisters from occurring. 

 

5. Stop your activity.

If you start feeling discomfort and notice the skin is turning red, stop your activity as a blister may be occurring. Recommended Product: 2Toms Skin-on-Skin Dressing Kit

 

2Toms Skin-On-Skin Dressing kit 
Cushion Soothes and Protects

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Hydrates and softens the skin, bringing instant relief for anyone with skin irritation. Also cushions and protects your skin from friction.  

 

Other Related Articles:

PREVENT SKIN IRRITATION FROM MEDICAL MASKS

ELIMINATE BLISTERS AND CHAFING FOR GOOD

SPORTSHIELD: THE MUST HAVE CHAFING AND RUBBING PROTECTION FOR JUST ABOUT ANY ACTIVITY

BLISTER AND CHAFING: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

HOW TO AVOID SWIMSUIT CHAFE, WETSUIT CHAFE AND PFD CHAFE

 

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.