Blisters

Why do I get blisters on my feet?

• The outer layer of your skin - the epidermis - protects your body from outside threats. When the epidermis is subjected to repeated contact friction or shear forces (shear is a tearing process in the skin caused by tissue layers moving in opposing directions), a blister typically results.
   
• The blister forms when hydrostatic pressure pushes fluid from adjoining tissues into open spaces created by tears in the second and third layers of the epidermis while the outer layer remains intact. In situations where blood vessels in the skin break, the blood drains in with the fluid, forming what are often called "blood blisters."
   
• Blisters typically result from repetitive stress to exposed areas of the feet, primarily when the skin is wet, on areas that protrude or are raised on the feet (such as bunions, hammer toes and on other raised areas), and on normal weight-bearing areas (pressure points) of the feet.

What causes these blisters?

• Most often it is an improperly fitted shoe or boot. Sometimes the design of the shoe or boot can lead to blisters even when it is properly fitted (for example too narrow a toe box, too wide a heel area or raised seams in the shoe or boot lining).
   
• Blistering is more frequent and more severe when the feet get wet. With wet feet the skin softens and becomes much more vulnerable to the friction and shear forces that produce blisters.

Where do the blisters most often form?

• Most friction blisters tend to form in the heel area when friction from movement of the heel counter of the shoe causes the skin to tear.
   
• Other common locations of blisters are on the sides of the big toe and the fifth toe where the toe box of the shoes or boots can “squeeze” the forefoot, on the bottom of the toes where friction from toe-off occurs, on the tops and tips of the toes in situations such as hammertoes where the feet have changed shape due to other issues, on the tops of the toes from raised seams in socks, and on the sides of the heels in cases where the heel area of the shoe or boot rubs and causes friction.

• It is critical to get properly fitted. Ill-fitting socks and shoes are one of the primary causes of blisters in sports, activities and even in everyday situations. Moisture on the feet makes them extremely vulnerable to blistering.
   
• Moisture causes natural fibers such as cotton and wool to collapse and lose their protective characteristics, so it is important to keep the feet from getting too wet by using Thorlos engineered padded socks made from acrylic fibers and acrylic blends.
   
• Reducing shear forces and friction on the feet is also critical to preventing blisters.
   
• The Integrated Fitting Solution™ (consisting of Thorlos engineered padded sock products, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) helps provide the protection you need to prevent blisters.
  • The Thorlos engineered padded sock product component of the Integrated Fitting Solution™ manages moisture, wicking it from areas of higher to areas of lower concentration. In addition, the acrylic fiber terry padding of the sock product cushions the foot, protecting against friction, and transferring shear forces from the skin to the padding [Two peer-reviewed, published research studies have demonstrated the blister reducing capabilities of Thorlos engineered padded sock products - read more here]. Thorlos also have low profile seams designed not to encroach on the toe area.
     
  • Inserts with surfaces designed to be compatible with the engineered padded sock product help maintain an optimal coefficient of friction that contributes to shear force and friction reduction.
     
  • Properly designed and fitted shoes or boots that do not chafe or rub the feet, and that have few interior seams and raised areas also aid in the prevention of blisters.
     
• The protection of the Integrated Fitting Solution can be supplemented by the use of extra padding in blister-prone areas. Products such as moleskin and other off-the-shelf adhesive products can be effective in helping reduce friction and shear forces in those areas on a preventive basis.

What are the dangers of blisters?

• In the short term, blisters can cause pain and be an aggravation; but if not addressed, they can do more damage.
   
• Infection is a danger if the blister breaks or if you deliberately break the skin (typically it is not a good idea to puncture the blister by breaking the skin, but there are some exceptions).  If the skin does break, use antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. Read more about first aid for blisters by clicking here.  NOTE: PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND / OR NEUROPATHY SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO PUNCTURE OR BREAK BLISTERS, BUT SHOULD SEE A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL SUCH AS A PODIATRIST OR DERMATOLOGIST FOR ANY BLISTER-RELATED PROBLEMS.
   
• Over the longer term, blisters can cause changes in your walking or running gait that can lead to more serious muscle, tendon, ligament and joint problems.
   
• Blisters can also be a symptom of more serious conditions.
  • 
    A hereditary condition called Epidermolysis Bullosa ("EB") produces moderate to severe blistering on even slight contact between the skin and a friction-producing surface. There are various forms of EB; and although it is rare (some type of EB occurs in 1 out of every 50,000 live births), it causes suffering and pain among those who have the condition. Read more here.
     
  • Allergic reactions can cause blisters. Exposure to plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac often produces blisters. Exposure to other typical allergens can also produce blisters. In such cases the blisters are often accompanied by inflammation / redness of the skin and itching.
     
  • Erythema multiforme (a hypersensitive reaction to infections or drugs) typically causes blisters on the palms of the hands, the forearms, the soles of the feet, and on the mucous membranes of the body. Read more here.

  Remember, ALWAYS consult your physician if you have soreness, pain, redness, swelling or other indications of problems in any area of your feet that persist for more than a few days, particularly if you have invested in a properly fitted Thorlos Integrated Fitting Solution.  If your feet do not feel better, Thorlos offers a money back guarantee on all engineered padded sock products (the guarantee does not cover shoes and inserts).