Blisters & Chafing

Causes of Blisters & Chafing

Blisters are caused by friction (rubbing), pressure or a burn. Your body responds to the friction by producing lymph fluid. As your outer layer of skin separates from the inner layers the space between them fills with fluid and the fluid builds up beneath the part of the skin being rubbed, causing pressure and pain. A single blister is often caused by:

• Friction - Blisters can develop when a surface rubs against unprotected skin. This includes:

• New or poor-fitting shoes or gloves
• Changes in the fit of your shoes or gloves due to heat, moisture, friction or the way you walk
• Increased pressure on your hands from using tools without gloves

• Burns - Blisters can develop when your skin is exposed to open flames, steam, or contact with a hot surface or excessive exposure to the sun (sunburn).

Other causes of blisters include contact with irritants (chemicals, plants or toxins); drug reactions, autoimmune diseases and infection. If you have multiple blisters or severe burning you should see your doctor immediately.

Symptoms of Blisters & Chafing

If you like running or wearing new shoes for a night out, you wouldn't want to face the discomfort of blisters and chafing. These common issues can turn a pleasant experience into a painful one. However, you don't need to worry as you can do a few things to keep your skin healthy and happy. Understanding the symptoms of blisters and chafing is the key to preventing them.

Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled bubbles caused by friction, heat, or repetitive motion that form on the skin.

• Raised Bumps - Blisters often show raised bumps on the skin, in various sizes.
• Fluid-Filled - Blisters are typically filled with clear fluid, but may contain blood or pus if infected.
• Redness and Pain - If an injury has occurred, the area around it may appear red and feel tender or sore when touched.
• Potential Bursting - As blisters develop, they may burst open, leaving a raw, exposed area of skin prone to infection.

Chafing

Chafing occurs when skin rubs against clothing, other skin, or objects, leading to irritation and sometimes even abrasions. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs:

• Redness and Irritation - Chafed skin often appears red and inflamed, with a burning or stinging sensation.
• Raw, Tender Skin - Continued friction can result in raw patches of skin that feel tender to the touch.
• Itching and Discomfort - Chafing can be incredibly itchy, adding another layer of discomfort to the mix.
• Potential Bumps or Blisters - In severe cases, chafing (skin irritation due to friction) can lead to the formation of blisters or small bumps as the skin attempts to protect itself.
  
  

Treatment for Blisters & Chafing

You can treat minor blisters at home by protecting the blistered skin from further irritation or rubbing, keeping the skin hydrated, and guarding the skin against sweat and other irritants. This is important as "de-roofing" (taking the top part of the blister off) increases your risk of infection and can increase pain. While your blister heals, try to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the area.

Mild chafing can often be treated by keeping the area properly hydrated (with appropriate lubricants) and protected from sweat or other irritating moisture.

Proven Solutions: 

2Toms® SportShield® Anti Chafing Roll-On ★★★★★ Provides unsurpassed resistance to chafing and blisters, staying on skin for maximum protection. SportShield’s sweatproof formula can be used during the most vigorous of activities without coming off. This silicone-based product stops the chafing of thighs, nipples, underarms, and other areas.

2Toms® SportShield XTRA Anti Chafing Roll-On ★★★★★  Moisture rich protection. Delivers the perfect balance of protection and comfort in a silky smooth formula that lasts all day! SportShield XTRA contains aloe and Shea butter to moisturize and soothe the skin, and natural anti-microbial ingredients help protect sensitive skin.

2Toms® BlisterShield® For Blister Prevention ★★★★★  An innovative blister protection product for your hand and feet, 2Toms Blister Shield creates a frictionless surface on the hand or foot that reduces heat build-up, moisture and blister formation. It repels moisture to keep skin dry and blister-free, while also reducing discomfort.

2Toms® Skin-on-Skin® Dressing Kit ★★★★★  Provides advanced cushioning, soothing relief, and long-lasting protection for blisters, chafing and minor skin irritations – second only to your own skin.

2Toms® Skin-on-Skin® Hydrogel Blister Treatment ★★★★★  In both 1" squares and 3" circles - 2Toms Skin-on-Skin uses an advanced formula to protect your skin as well as helping in the soothing and heeling of blisters and other skin issues such as bites and stings.

2Toms® Chafe Defender™ Chafing and Blister Prevention ★★★★★  Technologically-advanced formula increases comfort and endurance by forming a thin, invisible, moisture-proof barrier on the skin. This soothing, protective barrier eliminates or greatly minimizes the friction that causes blisters, chafing and irritation.

Blisters and Chafing Prevention

The first line of defense against blisters is to understand how your daily activities can result in a blister and take the necessary precautions to prevent blisters from happening. Identify the potential "hot spots" and protect them. If “hot spots” aren’t protected it’s important to  cover the "hot spot" at the first sign of redness to prevent further friction.

• Your Hands - Be sure to start your activity wearing the right kind of gloves or protective gear. Examples include: well-fitting and moisture proof gloves for gardening or working with tools, or physical activities such as cycling, golf, baseball, or gymnastics.
• Your Feet - When buying shoes, make sure they fit properly. Make sure that there are no seams or other shoe parts that might rub. A little bit of rubbing or a small pinch in the store could add up to large blisters later. Remember, feet swell during the day so go shoe shopping late in the day for the most accurate fit. Keep your feet as dry as possible and change socks regularly to help prevent rubbing and ultimately blistering.

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