Blisters on the feet are a common result of wearing ill-fitting shoes.

This blister occurred as a reaction to an insect bite.

This severe blister is in a common location for athletes: the bottom of the foot.

First Aid for Blisters: View the animation to learn how to drain a blister.

This large single blister appears as if it could pop on its own and can be safely drained by following the proper procedures discussed in the First Aid Guide.

The grouped blisters in this image exemplify the type of multiple, grouped blisters that you should not attempt to drain. Further, this type of blister configuration should warrant a visit to the doctor.

Images of Blisters, First Aid (6)

Blisters, First Aid

A blister (bulla) is caused when the outer layer of the skin separates from a layer of skin below, creating a collection of fluid between the layers. Blisters can be caused by chemical means, such as an allergic reaction; physical injury, such as from heat, frostbite, or friction; or from a disease. 

If the blister has been caused by a burn, see the Burns, First Aid write-up via the Disease List. If the blister has been caused by frostbite, see the Frostbite, First Aid write-up, which can also be found via the Disease List.

First Aid Guide
Blisters often go away on their own without needing any care, and the skin over the blister is its best defense against infection. If the blister is large or painful, however, you can drain the blister in such a way as to relieve the discomfort and hopefully avoid infection. Note: Blisters that look like they will pop on their own should be drained, unless the blister looks infected or you have a fever; multiple, grouped blisters; diabetes; or poor circulation.

1. Clean your hands and the affected area with soap and warm water.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol to the affected area.
3. Wipe a needle with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it.
4. Puncture the blister with the sterilized needle at its edge, making the hole big enough to drain fluid.
5. Let the fluid drain, making sure to leave the overlying skin in place. Note: This skin will help prevent infection.
6. Apply an antibiotic ointment (eg, bacitracin) to the blister, and bandage the affected area.
7. Once the overlying skin has dried, allow it to fall off naturally or use sterilized scissors to cut the dead skin off. Apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage, if necessary.

Prevention of blisters is key. The following measures will help prevent blisters from occurring:

• Wear acrylic socks, particularly ones that fit you well. While cotton socks were once the recommendation to avoid blisters, they tend to become misshapen when wet and are never as form-fitting as acrylic socks.
• When picking out shoes, be sure to go shopping during the middle of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen. (Feet normally swell as the day goes on.) Make sure you can wiggle your toes, and be sure that both the left and right shoes fit properly. (Many people have two different size feet.)
• Apply powder to your feet before activity that may cause friction.
• Wear work gloves when using tools that cause friction on hands.