Jump to section
A blister, or specifically a friction blister, is a fluid-filled sac enclosed by skin that develops on the outer layers of your skin in response to repetitive friction.
They occur when an area of your skin is in contact with another object (eg. the inside of your shoes) and the movement between the two surfaces causes this friction. These sheer forces cause the thin layers of your skin to separate, and the body then fills this gap with fluid, forming a sac. This sac forms as a defensive response to protect the skin underneath from further damage.
Blisters are often quite painful and can make walking in certain footwear uncomfortable until the blister has healed.
Friction blisters are very common and can affect anyone, especially those who wear ill-fitting shoes and damp socks. When the skin of the feet continually rub against a shoe, sock or hard and rough surface, it may become irritated and inflamed causing redness and pain. If the cause of the friction continues, the redness will develop, the skin layers start to separate and the fluid enters, forming the blister.
This friction could be caused by a combination of issues, including;
We do not recommend popping your blister as this will cause you more pain and leave the wound open to bacteria and infection. Instead, cover it with a band aid or bigger dressing that covers the entire blister and leave it to heal itself. It will usually resolve in a few days, once covered and the source of friction has been removed. Eventually the fluid beneath the skin will disappear once the new skin begins to grow underneath.
It is important that you remove the cause of friction once the blister has formed. This will allow the painful skin to heal and recover. If it does pop, try not to remove the dead skin on top and wash the area gently with water and antiseptic wipes or Betadine. Then cover with a gauze or sterile, dry bandage that can protect it from further trauma until the fragile skin has healed.
Unless severe, most blisters will heal without the need to see your doctor or podiatrist. If your blister requires further treatment, we can help by:
If you do not remove the cause of friction, a number of things could occur:
There are a number of approaches you can take to prevent friction blisters.
There are a number of other common conditions that have similar symptoms to a friction blister. It's important to know these so they are not missed, and if you suspect one of these conditions, it is recommended you visit our clinic or your general practitioner for a second opinion.
If you are injured and experiencing heel pain, the first thing you should do is look at your activity levels and modify them if needed.
Follow these three simple rules to help manage your heel pain
Not everyone needs orthotics, but they can play an integral role in treating or relieving pain in several foot and lower limb conditions.
The heat and humidity of an Australian summer makes it a prime time for issues to arise, so our newest podiatrist Lucy has put together
seven helpful tips to keep your feet healthy and problem free throughout summer.
| Monday | 7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Thursday |
7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Friday | TEMP CLOSED |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Ground Floor, 344 Queen Street,
Brisbane City QLD 4000
| Monday | 7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 7:40am - 6:00pm |
| Thursday |
7:40am - 6:30pm |
| Friday | 7:40am - 5:00pm |
| Saturday | 7:40am - 4:30pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Newmarket Village, 114/400 Newmarket Rd, Newmarket QLD 4051