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Blisters
Content provided by the Sports Injury Clinic

What exactly are blisters?
Blisters are caused by friction from shoes or clothing which rubs repeatedly on the skin causing friction burns. As the outer layer of skin separates from the inner layers the space between fills with lymph fluid. Blisters of the feet are a common problem with traceurs wearing in new shoes, from doing tic tacs, cat leaps and generally doing lots of running. Blisters of the hands are usually picked up from cat leaps when starting out, but over time the hands toughen up and they no longer present a problem. Blisters do not need to be a part of sporting life and can be prevented.

 

What can the traceur do?

  • Ensure that shoes fit correctly.
  • Protect the potential 'hot spots' by applying a second skin and / or taping.
  • Keep feet as dry as possible. Wet trainers and socks will cause blisters far quicker than dry ones.
  • Wherever possible change socks regularly and use foot powder to help keep them dry.
     

Preventative measures?

  • The first sign of blisters will be redness over the skin, possibly at the back of the heel, the instep or toes.  The hand area can be susceptible to blisters when first starting Parkour, but over time the hands do toughen up.
  • Apply a second skin dressing or blister plaster and tape the effected area.
  • Ensure the feet are dry and change socks (unless you are in the middle of a session).
  • A highly effective but short term measure is cover the foot and effected area in petroleum jelly. This should provide instant relief from pain but as the heat from the foot melts the petroleum jelly it will run away and be ineffective.
  • If the blister has not burst then it may be necessary to make a small hole at the edge with a serialized pin or needle, particularly if the blister is on a weight bearing surface. A pin can be sterilized by passing it through a flame.
  • Do not drain a blood filled blister.
  • Drain the fluid but leave as much of the skin as possible covering the wound. This is an important protective layer for the underlying skin and will help to prevent infection.
  • Clean the blister with a sterilizing wipe. Cover the wound with a second skin or blister plaster - take the time to apply it correctly.
  • For additional security apply tape over top.