Of course it’s fantastic to spend an entire day shopping or dancing the whole night through – but sometimes a painful blister can spoil all the fun. We show you how to treat blisters so you can keep on walking.
What is a blister?
All you need to know about blisters
A blister is an area of raised skin with a watery liquid inside. Blisters form on hands and feet from rubbing and pressure. You can develop blisters on feet from wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes for just a few hours.
Continuous pressure or rubbing will eventually lead to the separation of the epidermis (the outer skin layer) from its lower skin layers, and a blister containing tissue fluid will form. This liquid is supposed to cushion the wound and protect it from further pressure. So actually, the blister is a clever self-protective measure of your body.
"An open blister
can easily
become infected."
Blister Treatment
Easy-to-follow tips
and advice
The best treatment for blisters...
... is to leave them intact. Applying a blister plaster will help to treat a blister without puncturing it. The plaster will do three things:
- help avoid additional pressure from shoes on to the blister,
- protect the delicate protective layer of skin on top of the blister (the "blister roof") until the blister is ready to drain by itself and
- protect an open blister from infection and external influences such as water, dirt (and bacteria)
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare practitioner
A blister requires patience, and there are a few measures you can take in order to prevent pain, and to ensure fast healing:
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As soon as you can feel a blister developing, apply a plaster. An Elastoplast SOS Blister Plaster is one of the first self-help options. A plaster will cushion the affected area and protect even an open blister from infection and dirt. It will also help take off the pressure-induced pain and help the healing process.
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Wait and see: Don’t change the plaster unless it comes off by itself. Give the blister time to heal. The Elastoplast SOS Blister Plasters with their hydrocolloid technology create an optimal moist wound healing environment that allows the wound to heal faster. In order to not disturb the healing process, leave the plaster in place for several days (only change it in case it starts to come off by itself).
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare practitioner
No self-surgery, please! Don’t puncture the blister. If the blister comes open accidentally, don‘t pull off the outer skin layer. Leave it alone to heal, and cover it with a blister plaster. As long as it is covered, the wound is protected from infection. A blister should not be opened because the blister roof protects against additional infection.
Expert Tip
“Wounds heal best in a humid environment. This is a clinically proven learning that the plaster is based upon. In a protected environment the blister will heal off best and all by itself. With a blister, breaking its protective layer of skin allows bacteria to enter the wound, which is medically considered an open wound. Nevertheless, if this does happen, you should disinfect the punctured blister (for example with an antiseptic spray) and cover it with a blister plaster. It will protect the affected area from further pressure, friction and other harmful external influences.”
"Our hydrocolloid
technology creates an optimum environment
for the wound to heal"
“Thanks to our hydrocolloid technology the Elastoplast SOS Blister Plasters create the optimum environment for the wound to heal. The hydrocolloid material of the plaster will at the same time take up superfluous liquid from the wound and create a protective gel cushion over it which will keep its environment humid and thus let the wound heal quickly.“
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare practitioner
Blister Prevention
Smart ways to do
it better
Tips to prevent blisters on feet:
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Apply a foot cream regularly for basic foot care. This will lead to the skin on your feet becoming more supple and hydrated, therefore more resistant to developing blisters.
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Wear comfortable shoes that fit correctly. Especially if you know you will be walking a lot, dancing all night etc. – the right choice of shoe can help prevent future pain. Buy shoes later in the day as your feet will expand during the day. Break in new shoes before you take them on a grand shopping tour or sightseeing on a weekend trip.
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Humidity and leather are not a good mix: Keep feet as dry as possible. Wet shoes, boots and socks will cause blisters far quicker than dry ones.
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Working out or running? Wear special socks that are enforced on toes or heels and don‘t have seams.
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When going on city trips or for longer walks, be prepared by taking Elastoplast SOS Blister Plasters with you in your bag. Their extra strong adhesion will protect and cushion your blister, let it heal – and make sure your feet stay safe from further friction – so that you can keep on walking!
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare practitioner
Always see your doctor if the wound is deep, bleeding or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.
Also make sure to seek medical help if you are not able to clean the wound properly.
In case you have diabetes a proper wound care is of special importance. Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor and/or podiatrist, even for the care of minor wounds and skin cracks – especially on your feet.
Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care or advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read on this website.
For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on anz.consumerservices@beiersdorf.com. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages.
Although compiled with great care, please note that the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website. Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the leaflets of our products. For further information about our products, please contact us here.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.