It’s essential to know how to get rid of blisters, especially as we head into fall and begin reacquainting our feet with hard shoes. Generally, blisters on your feet are caused by friction and moisture. If you’ve been exfoliating and religiously removing calluses to look picture perfect in sandals, your baby-soft feet are more likely to suffer from these painful fluid-filled sacs. Marathon runners often try to make their feet tough and calloused to keep blisters at bay but, if you’d still like to show off your pedicure and wear strappy shoes, we’ve got some tips for blister care that still allow you to look sexy barefoot.
1. Epsom Salt Soak
Not only is a nice Epsom salt footbath super relaxing, it also helps to draw the fluid out of your blister and it’s a great source of magnesium!
Read Related: Treating Your Tootsies: How to Deal With a Painful Ingrown Toenail
2. Clean It
The last thing you want is for your simple blister to become an even more painful infection. Clean it gently with soap and water and apply antibiotic cream.
3. Drain It
As a rule, you should avoid popping blisters and just them heal on their own. But if you’re in so much pain that you can’t walk or it’s in a really bad spot, draining may be the best option for how to get rid of blisters. To avoid infection and further irritation, sterilize a needle or pin with rubbing alcohol and carefully puncture the edge of the blister and press it to drain the fluid. Now don’t peel it! Just leave the skin intact and wash the area with soap and water.
4. Cover It
Cover clean blisters with a loose bandage or Band-Aid. If you need more cushioning, cut a hole (slightly larger than your blister) in the center of a round moleskin pad so it can still breathe without chafing.
5. Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is just as soothing for blister care as it is for sunburns. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties on top of helping wounds heal more quickly.
6. Blister Cushions
Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Cushions can be used on intact or open blisters. The gel pads adhere to your skin to cushion while blocking out dirt and moisture.
7. If the Shoe Fits
You don’t need to know how to get rid of blisters if you avoid getting them in the first place! Make sure your shoes fit properly and aren’t too big or too tight.
8. Break In New Shoes
There’s nothing worse than stepping out for the day in a hot new pair of shoes only to be hobbled by blisters before noon. Always break in new shoes by wearing them around the house with socks for a few days first.
9. Lubrication
Use a lubricant, like Stiletto Stick or petroleum jelly, on areas that chafe easily.
10. Antiperspirant
Antiperspirant — not deodorant — does triple duty for your feet. It lubricates, stops foot sweat to minimize friction and makes your tootsies smell delish.
