Blisters

Blisters are very common in sport and can occur in any areas that are subject to friction or rubbing which causes one layer of skin to separate from another. This creates a "pocket"   which fills with fluid causing pain and inflammation.

Causes

• returning to training after periods of rest or inactivity
• sudden increase in training loads
• new shoes
• new equipment
• poor fitting equipment
• area no prepared properly - i.e. hands are "soft" causing them to blister
• callous build up which can cause pressure.

Prevention

• use correctly fitting shoes and equipment
• soften the shoe or guard by rubbing Vaseline onto it
• wear good fitting socks
• wear two-pairs of socks with the socks making contact with the skin being made of cotton to absorb moisture
• rub Vaseline onto the skin where you are prone to blisters to reduce friction
• toughen areas prone to blisters by rubbing methylated spirits onto them daily
• if you feel you need to use a moisturiser on dry cracked skin, use very little - if you soften it too much you may be more prone to blisters.

Management

If a blister is not treated properly complications can occur which can interrupt training and competition.

Management will depend on two factors;

• if the blister is ruptured; and
• when the athlete has to train or play again.

The common types of blisters you will see are as follows:

Closed blister

If the athlete can rest for several days then management will include:

• apply antiseptic solution
• apply a protective dressing
• rest the area for 3 - 4 days

If the athlete is required to train within hours or play several days in a week then management will include piercing the blister to release the pressure, so the athlete can continue to exercise.

It is important that piercing the blister is performed by a medical professional to reduce the chance of complications and/or the spreading of infectious diseases.

Management

1. Clean the area - use diluted antiseptic or alcohol swab.
2. Apply a protective dressing.
3. Specialised dressing - use a specialised or "donut" dressing to reduce the pressure.

Torn/open blister

1. Clean the area with a diluted antiseptic - an alcohol swab will be very painful to use on an open wound and is not recommended.
2. Apply a protective dressing.
3. A specialised dressing or donut dressing can be applied to relieve the pressure.

Blood blister

Closed blood blisters - manage the same as closed blisters.

Ruptured/Torn blister - manage the same as a torn/open blister

Dressings for blisters

Dressings for blisters should be:

• sterile
• simple
• not bulky
• contain an absorbent pad.

For a small blister an adhesive dressing strip may be sufficient. For a larger blister a non-adhesive dressing, or gauze and tape such as "Fixomull" may be suitable.

Specialised dressings available from your chemist include:

• BDF Cutinova Thin
• BDF Blister pack
• Cutinova Hydro
• Leukofoam; Orthopedic foam.

Donut dressing : - to relieve direct pressure on a blister:

• cut a hole slightly larger than the blister in the middle of a piece of foam
• cover the blister with a dressing to protect or absorb any exudate
• place the hole over the blister
• while the foam is adhesive other tape can be applied to secure it in place (such as sports tape) or Spenco Second Skin.