No MORE BLISTERS!

Blisters can be a major problem for many people as you begin to get back to running and exercising outdoors and changing into new shoes. 

Blisters are causes by friction or rubbing, usually of high pressure points on your skin against your shoes or socks. This friction causes your body to react by producing fluid that builds up underneath the skin. Small blood vessels can pop causing a blood blister. Anything that increases friction can set off blisters:

1. Poor fitting shoes
2. Foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs)
3. Heat and moisture in the shoe
4. Increased pace or distance running. 

Here's how you can prevent blistering:
1. Wear proper fitting shoes and socks. Wearing the wrong size is an easy way to produce friction. Make sure there is a thumbs width space between the longest toe and the end of the inner part of the shoe. Your socks should not bunch or be loose on your foot. 

2. Keep your feet moisturized. Dry skin can produce more friction. 

3. Use blister free socks. Synthetic socks are better at wicking moisture away from the skin. Many running shoe companies make socks with reinforced heels and toes to reduce friction. 

4. Keep friction areas slick. Vaseline was the old stand-by for keeping away chafing. Body-Glide is a great product found in roll-on form at your local running shoe specialist. 

Treatment:

Large blisters can be drained with a needle cleaned with alcohol. Pop the blister and slowly drain the fluid through the needle hole. You might need 2 holes to make it work. Cover with bacitracin and a band aid or bandage depending on the size. Leave small blisters intact, just keep them covered with moleskin with a hole the size of the blister in the middle to keep pressure off of the blister. 

Enjoy the weather!