The formation of ampoules
A blister is"a small injury caused by irritation, burning or excessive rubbing,which usually affects the upper layers of the epidermis". A small bubble of liquid,composed of water and proteins, is then formed, which oozes on the surface of an injured tissue, under a thin layer of dead skin. Very frequently, blisters appear as a resultof repeated rubbing of your shoes against the skin of an area of your foot,during a trek or hike. Others may appear on the hands,by rubbing ski poles, wakeboard bar or kite surfing, or handle. Often benign, they can become incapacitating,sometimes become infected,or not heal when you are in the presence of water such as diving or water sports.
Treatment of ampoules
- Painless blisters
Never pierce a painless bulb. The skin that covers the blister reduces the risk of infection and acts as a natural barrier against bacteria and other microbes. You can cover the small ampoules with an adhesive bandage. In the case of large ampoules, the application of a porous gauze compress,covered with plastic wrap, allows moisture to beabsorbed and lets the wound breathe.
- Painful blisters
If the ampoule is painful, you can drain the liquidfrom it , without removing the skin film that covers it. For this, wash your hands, disinfect the ampoule on the surface with disinfectant or alcohol. Heat a sewing needle with a lighter to sterilize it. Pierce the skin from side to side,with an entry hole and an exit hole; never go to the flesh, just pierce the excess peeled skin. Let the liquid flow,leaving the skin film in place. Disinfect the bulb again and cover it with a bandage or compress of gas.
If you suffer from diabetes or circulation disorders, consult your doctor before following the previous instructions.
You can use dressings of the double skin type (for example Compeed), which relieve pain and accelerate healing. Designed to resist water, they can also be used in prevention,to avoid friction and irritations that are at the origin of the bulb. These dressings usually remain in place for 2 to 3 days without peeling off. To use them properly, make sure you have cleaned the area to be treated with soapy water,which will remove fat and impurities; heat the bandage for about ten seconds in your hands to facilitate the adhesion, then put down. Remove the paper films that surround the dressing on the outer face, andt leave in place until the total natural detachment,sign of the end of the healing of the skin.
You can find these anti-bulb dressings already cut out and adapted for the feet or hands, toes, heels, elbows, the sole of the foot for about 9 € the 5 to 8 dressings. For extreme cases, there are over-thick dressings or reinforced by a silicone gel,intended to withstand a particularly pronounced friction.
Prevention of blisters
To prevent the formation of blisters, wear socks designed especially for sports, the seams of which will be more suitable. When choosing your socks, prefer textiles made of mixture of synthetic microfibers that evacuate perspiration (for example, at Under Armour). Shoes must be well adapted to the foot: the heel must not slide excessively back and forth,and the toes must be able to move freely. Cover the area that tends to be rubbed with an adhesive bandage or other type of protective barrier, which may hold up in contact with water.
In addition to the specific double-skin dressings,can resort to the application of an anti-blister or anti-irritation stick. The solution, based on a lubricating formula, instantly reduces friction. Average cost: 9 € the stick of 10 ml or tube of 75 ml.
There are also specific foot and shin protectors: toe separators that avoid overlapping toes, corn protectors, plantar pads or silicone gel shin protection to cut out, they are usually antiseptic, anti-bacterial and are self-adhesive.
After the effort, you can resort to restructuring and repairing balms,for dry or damaged skin. They rehydrate theskin, prevent crevices, and cracks.
When to consult a doctor?
In the presence of signs of infection around a blister,such as pus, redness, increased pain or warmth of the skin,do not wait! You may be at risk of sepsis, which can be extremely serious. Consult a doctor immediately.