Blisters commonly occur due to ill-fitted shoes
Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form beneath the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, but above the dermis underneath. They commonly develop when repeated friction or pressure irritates the skin, causing fluid to accumulate as a protective response.
Blisters are especially common on the feet and hands, making them a frequent issue during long workdays, sports, or seasonal changes—such as hot summers in Grande Prairie, when increased sweating and footwear friction can increase blister formation.
What Causes Blisters?
Blisters can form anywhere on the body, but they most often appear in areas exposed to repeated rubbing or pressure.
Common causes include:
- Wearing ill-fitting or new shoes
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Using tools such as hammers or shovels
- Riding a bike or gripping bars for extended periods
- Weightlifting or repetitive hand movements
- Burns (including minor burns)
- Skin reactions to medications
- Contact with irritants (contact or atopic dermatitis)
- Certain skin infections (such as chickenpox or impetigo)
In warmer months, heat, moisture, and friction combine to make blisters more likely—especially for outdoor workers and athletes.
Do Blisters Require Medical Attention?
Most blisters do not require medical care and can be safely managed at home using basic first aid principles. However, medical attention should be considered if:
- The blister is extremely painful
- Walking or movement becomes difficult
- Signs of infection appear (redness, pus, warmth, swelling)
- The blister is caused by a burn or chemical exposure
Basic blister care may be introduced in first aid training, but advanced blister management is not always covered in emergency or standard first aid courses.
First Aid Treatment for Blisters
General Blister Care
- Do not pop blisters unless absolutely necessary
- The intact skin protects against infection
- If the blister is mild, leave it intact and cover it with a clean bandage
- Use paper tape if you are sensitive to adhesives
Draining a Painful Blister (Advanced Care)
⚠️ This level of care is not typically taught in basic or intermediate first aid courses and should only be done if necessary.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water
- Sterilize a needle using rubbing alcohol or flame
- Clean the blister with iodine or antiseptic
- Puncture the edge of the blister in a few small spots
- Allow fluid to drain while keeping the overlying skin intact
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Cover with a non-stick sterile dressing
- Change dressing daily and reapply ointment
Seek medical care if signs of infection develop.
Preventing Blisters
Blisters are highly preventable with proper preparation and skin protection.
Helpful prevention tips include:
- Wear properly fitted shoes
- Break in new footwear gradually
- Use moisture-wicking or double socks
- Add cushioning to pressure points
- Apply petroleum jelly to friction-prone areas
- Wear gloves or grips during repetitive hand activities
These preventive habits are especially important during hot Grande Prairie summers, when heat and sweat increase friction.
Learn Everyday First Aid Skills in Grande Prairie
While blister treatment is usually simple, understanding skin protection, infection prevention, and wound care is an important part of first aid awareness. Grande Prairie First Aid offers courses that focus on practical, real-life scenarios alongside CPR training and emergency response.
👉 Explore First Aid Courses in Grande Prairie
👉 Learn more about CPR Training and CPR Courses
Whether it’s blister prevention in summer or cold exposure care in winter, first aid training helps you respond confidently to everyday injuries.