Any advice on blisters please

[Realfoodieclub]

I got a new pair of runners. I went out yesterday and got to 3km and could not run anymore. They come slightly higher than my old trainers and caused a blister. I hobbled home gutted. The shoes are going to be great just need to wear them in. Today I woke up and there is a massive blister. The question is to pop or not to pop? I thought it burst yesterday but it obviously hadent. When it's burts I was just going to put a compeed plaster on it and try again, my feet are so sensitive, but this is the first time I have had a blister while running. I don't need to wait for it to heal or anything do I?

[Tomas Graduate]

I've had a couple of blisters since I started running, but I have been lucky that the skin has healed very quickly after they burst. When I was a boy scout (back in the days with horse draw carriages and loads of hiking) we always popped blisters at night. So I would suggest you puncture it in the evening, don't cover it with a plaster (you want it to get air so it can heal), and then in the morning just go about your usual business with a clean pair of socks.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Thanks that makes sense.

[Hidden]

The "proper" first aid advice is to *not* pop it to try and prevent infection. And if you do have to pop it to use a sterile needle and pierce on both sides of the blister to drain well, and cover with a clean dressing.

I suppose it all comes down to how big it is and how painful it is - and your own judgement.

Compeed is BRILLIANT stuff. I couldn't have finished my 50 mile D of E hike without it!

Tomas' advice sounds good also, just be really careful and keep a close eye on it if you do decide to pop!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I have to go out now so that means shoes, maybe it will naturally pop then I will sterilise. It seems very stubborn. I will keep an eye on it.

[Hidden in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I had one on the end of my toe the other week and it just healed up without bursting, creating a lovely bit of hard skin instead, which for running, is great! Haha.

[misswobble Graduate]

I don't burst!!!!! I got one with new shoes but I had them a bit too loose. The reverse usually happens doesn't it (rolls eyes) I put some Vaseline on the blister when I had to run again and it seemed to help. I left the blister alone other than that and it just disappeared

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I've heard about Vaseline, I might try that, thanks.

[Slookie Graduate]

Compeed. Amazing product. Not sure it helps with the healing but magically removes the discomfort.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Slookie]

Definately going to keep some in my bumbag for just in case.

[Vixchile Graduate]

I am the queen of blisters, I have so many, big small, blisters connected to blisters. I found blister socks do very little and my foot talc helps. Usually I leave the blisters alone and they will sort them selves out. However, if it's a blister due to rubbing that's a different matter, I use plasters on the area and usually this does the trick. Have you also got those high tab running socks they are good if it's the heel area.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Vixchile]

I have running socks but not blister specific ones. I might have to look into them thanks.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

When I go hiking I usually take a little n nylon footie to put under my sock if it starts to rub or blister. Might be worth running in one under your sock until the shoes break in.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

What a great idea. Thank you.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Ouchy, that sounds really sore!! I can't offer any advice about 'to pop or not to pop' but I can say that I LOVE my M&S blister socks and can definitely recommend them, based on the fact that I don't think I've ever had a blister. Hope your poor feet are better very soon

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thank you. Hopefully I won't have to take anytime off with it.

[huffnpuffin Graduate]

2 pairs of thin socks. inner ones longer than outer. - Same principle for hill walking in your boots but with a thinner pair inside your thick warm ones. So that the pressure point (hot spot caused by friction) is not on your foot but on the inner sock allowing the inner and outer to slide passed each other.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to huffnpuffin]

Sounds like a good idea. Thank you.

[milan5881 Graduate]

I can totally sympathise with you. I wear proper running socks (2 layers) and then when i have had blisters Compeed is the only thing that i could use to continue running. I would not recommend vaseline because it will wear off and soon the blister will be back to being sore and uncomfortable. Double socks and Compeed are the answer. Hopefully the new running shoes will help in the long run. Best of luck, keep on running!