Blisters

Some of the most common types of blisters can be prevented.

• To prevent blisters caused by rubbing (friction blisters):
  • Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or that rub your feet. Roomy footwear has a wide toe box with more room for your toes and the ball of your foot. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes. Foot size may vary half a size from the morning to the evening or after a day at work, so purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen.
  • Wear gloves to protect your hands when you are doing heavy chores or yard work.
• Avoid contact with any plants or other substances that are known to cause blistery rashes. For more information, see the topic Reference Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac.
• Avoid contact with people who have infections that are known to cause blisters, such as:
  • Viral illnesses, including Reference chickenpox Opens New Window, Reference shingles Opens New Window, Reference genital herpes infection Opens New Window, and Reference cold sores Opens New Window.
  • Bacterial skin infection (Reference impetigo Opens New Window).
  • Reference Scabies Opens New Window mite infection.

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