Prevent Blisters: What Causes Blisters and How to Stop Them

Blisters can form for a wide variety of reasons, including from a burn, insect bite, chemical reaction, friction or trauma. They’re a small bubble of fluid that your body creates as a protective response, hoping to cushion the underneath layers of skin from further damage. This bubble of body fluid helps the afflicted area to heal and it is not recommended to pop them unless medically necessary.

Athletes, commonly runners, suffer from skin bubbles caused by excessive perspiration. They experience these small blisters when sweat blocks their pores. This can be a regular issue in warmer climates and humid weather.

Triathletes are prone to toe blisters, usually brought on by excessive moisture. Triathletes tend to drench themselves in water at each aid tent during the run and all the water can collect in their shoes, creating the perfect wet and humid blister environment.

Friction blisters are the most common cause and can be experienced by anybody. They most regularly affect the feet from prolonged walking, running or standing in shoes. Poor-fitting shoes are a key culprit for causing blisters, being either too large or too small and creating uncomfortable friction on the heels, toes or balls of the feet.

Products To Help Prevent Blisters 

IRONMAN® By Bexters Chafe No More and IRONMAN® By Bexters Anti Chafe Extreme are silicone and wax-based blister prevention products that provide long lasting protective coatings for skin to freely move against frictional forces. Both of our anti chafes can be used to effectively help to prevent or stop blisters, as well as for reliable chafing prevention. Simply apply the product to areas likely to blister i.e. on the soles of the feet, under and between the toes, and around the heel. You can also apply the Chafe No More or Anti Chafe Extreme directly to the shoe and around the edge of the shoe for an easy and fast transition in a triathlon. Officially partnered with IRONMAN our products are widely used by triathletes in their kit bags, and you can buy IRONMAN products online to top after whenever needed. Not a triathlete? Don't worry, our products can be used in any sporting activity, whether you suffer from blisters when playing tennis, running or evening walking a golf course.

What Additional Steps Can Be Taken To Protect The Feet From Blister Formation?

Treat your feet!

• Try to keep your feet aerated as much as possible before and after training/racing
• Use moisturizers to keep your feet healthy and soft
• Buy specially designed running socks
• Buy shoes designed for running that fit your foot properly
• Avoid Petroleum based lubricants, as these block your pores meaning your skin can't sweat, clean and repair itself

 

Now also available to purchase from Chemist Warehouse.
Information used on this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Use only as directed.