no pain no gain? Not with regard to blisters. These small pockets of transparent liquid under the skin may seem harmless, but they are anything but – they can even be downright debilitating If they are on a part of the body, you should sail during the day (like your feet!).
Unfortunately, they are often part of life if you are active – at least until science finds a way to prevent them from training. It is a pipe dream, however, because blisters have a real goal.
What are the cloves?
“Cloques are the way in which the nature of protecting you,” says Johanna Youner, MD, a podiatrist based in New York. They are formed where there are friction of too much friction, including your hands and feet. “The liquid accumulates between the layers of the skin and acts like a cushion,” she explains.
What causes cloves?
Here are some of the most common reasons why blisters are formed on your feet.
1. Shoes that do not correspond
One of the most common causes of friction blisters is poorly adjusted shoes. When there is too much room for your foot to move in cowardly shoes, this can cause excessive friction to the pressure zones, which can form blisters.
“I saw horrible and painful blisters of people who bought too large shoes,” said Dr Youner. “If the foot rubs intensely with repetitive movementThis will increase the chances of a bulb. »»
2. Humidity
Excessive humidity can also be A big factorBecause it can weaken the skin and make it more sensitive to tears. This is why you often feel the unmistakable feeling of a bulb forming when you walk with socks and wet shoes.
3. Allergies
In some cases, blistering or skin irritations may form as a result of a allergic reaction to certain chemicals or materials.
How to prevent blisters
Follow these tips to prevent blisters from forming on your feet.
1. Invest in the right shoes
Finding well -adjusted shoes can make a difference in the prevention of blisters. “Don’t look at the number,” says Dr Youner. “Many people wear too small shoes.”
Your best bet is to be dimensioned in a specialized store in progress which offers a personalized adjustment. Experts measure your approach and other physiological aspects of your body, then recommend the best shoe for your unique situation.
Dr Youner also recommends wearing breathable shoes (especially if you have sweaty feet) to reduce humidity.
2. Get anti-black socks
Socks are often a reflection afterwards, but they are also important. For example, Wrightsock Double layer socks Compare an interior and outdoor layer to remove excessive friction and humidity. But there are other similar socks that go to humidity that can help prevent blisters.
Some runners even choose to wear tights at the height of the knee under a pair of socks to reduce friction – the thought is that the friction that occurs between your skin and the socks is rather transferred to the two pairs of socks themselves, letting Your skin alone.
3. Fortify the problematic zones
David Newman, an ultramarathon runner (up to 100 miles at a time!), Use serious protection for his well worn feet. “For my long races, I maladed my feet in petroleum jelly, then covers blisters, or places that often rub, with surgical ribbon,” he says. “In this way, there is absolutely no friction.”
You probably don’t need to go so far, but keeping the pain from a distance can make a difference between finishing your training or sitting on the key.
Bulbs treatment
Sometimes blisters occur, regardless of the number of precautions you take. When this happens, it takes a lot of TLC to help them cure.
If you notice a “hot spot” or pain, put a bandage immediately to avoid other damage, advises Dr Youner. “It will act like a second skin and the skin will react to try to repair itself.”
If you do not have access to a bandage, put a layer between the affected area and everything that hurts you. A towel, a paper towel or a gauze can help reduce friction, she adds.
“If the blister is open, clean it with soap and water, apply neosporine and bandage,” she said, adding that liquid bandages are also a solid choice to cover the spots. “Adding powder helps, especially with a 100%cornstarch. It will absorb moisture and greatly contribute to ensuring safety. »»
Should you burst bulbs?
The backpacker Steve Silberberg regularly does blisters when he hikes With one of its FitPacking tours groups.
“I put neosporine (or a similar antibacterial) [on a blister] And cover with a bandage, ”he says. “Then, in order to allow people to continue hiking, I cover it all with adhesive tape.”
It is an extreme way of treating them, but popping is not necessarily dangerous.
“It is better to let nature take its course, but if it hurts when you walk or run, then burst the blister,” says Dr Youner. “Wash your hands, clean the skin and a needle with alcohol. Then carefully perforate the blister and push gently to let the liquid out of the blisters. »»
Apply the neosporine and cover with a bandage, she advises. “If you have the capacity, dip Epsom salt bath and reappear the neosporine to avoid infection.” And do not tear the puffy skin – it hurts and can also increase your chances of infection.
