Congratulations to everyone who participated in the Melbourne Marathon! If you’re one of the 37,000 runners who ran the Melbourne Marathon, then you may still be dealing with a few blisters from the race.

In today’s post we discuss how best to care for blisters. There are three types of blisters, all of which require a tailored approach to after care.

Unbroken Blister

An unbroken blister is one with an intact roof which is still holding all the blister fluid in. Unbroken blisters (whether they are clear blisters or blood blisters) are best left alone to allow deeper tissues to heal. Your after care for unbroken blisters should be aimed at protecting the roof of the blister. Ensure you reduce pressure from the area, this can be done by wearing shoes that don’t place pressure on it. Additionally, you can place an island dressing like an band aid to protect it.

Broken Blister

A broken blister is a torn blister, which now requires additional care. Ensure you follow all the steps you would for an unbroken blister (reduce pressure, apply a dressing), but also:

• Use an antiseptic to kill any germs in the area

• Regularly monitor the blister for signs of infection.

Ideally, keep the torn blister roof in place because that skin provides some protection to the raw blister base.

Deroofed Blister

A deroofed blister is where the blister roof has rubbed off, exposing a red raw sore. This blister is more painful, more susceptible to infections and will take a longer time to heal.

Ensure you choose an appropriate dressing for a deroofed blister. Follow all steps you would for a brokeb blister but choose a dressing that provides a moist wound environment. An island dressing such a Band Aid, or a hydro-colloid dressing will work well to do this. A common misperception is to let the blister ‘breathe’ by ‘letting the air get to it’, however, this will result in a scab which will still have a raw blister base underneath.

Learn more at www.blisterprevention.com.au

If you are experiencing any arch, heel or ankle pain following the marathon, we recommended that you visit a Podiatrist to get professional advice. If you would like to seek advice on a specific injury issue, please make an appointment with ProPodiatry Clinic Brunswick or ProPodiatry Clinic South Melbourne.