Blisters and chafing: reduce friction before the skin breaks

Blisters usually appear when skin rubs again and again. New shoes, long walks, sports or damp socks make that more likely. The key difference in this category is between prevention and protection after the skin has already started to complain.

If a hot spot has just started, reducing pressure and adding protection can stop the blister from forming. If a blister has already formed, the skin roof usually protects the area well. If it has opened, gentle cleaning and a clean dressing support healing and make walking more tolerable.

If you know a particular shoe or route always causes trouble, prevention is the better starting point. The practical choice is the one you can put on quickly when the first rubbing starts.

If a blister becomes red, warm or more painful, or if the problem keeps returning in the same place, seek care.

Read more: Minor wound care and Wound cleaning.

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