Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel N. Verville
April 25, 2016
Your feet take on a lot of wear and tear each day, especially if you’re an athlete or have a job requiring you to stand up for long stretches of time. This wear and tear can manifest in different ways, including developing blisters (a fluid that forms between the upper and lower layers of skin).
Blisters can be good, as they are your body’s natural way of protecting the feet from further damage. Problems arise when a blister forms under an existing callus (rough, protective skin), typically requiring podiatrist intervention.
Learn The Difference Between a Blister and A Callus
How Blisters Form Under Calluses
Calluses form primarily to minimize your risk of blistering and can protect your feet from various kinds of friction. In some situations, having a callus in place and continuing to experience high friction levels may result in blisters forming, ostensibly as a second layer of protection for your foot. These blisters are uniquely challenging to treat because your podiatrist must first go through multiple layers of callus skin just to access them.
Can You Treat Blisters on Your Own?
While some blisters go away on their own, others may be persistent and painful. Avoid puncturing or popping a blister, as it can lead to a heightened risk of infection. This action can be especially painful and dangerous with calluses, as the blister is trapped under several layers of skin.
When To See a Doctor About Your Blister
When you have a blister under a deep, thick callus, there is really no safe way to treat it other than seeing a board-certified podiatrist. Attempting to treat these blisters on your own may result in sepsis or cellulitis, among other potential complications.
A skilled podiatrist can help you in many ways, including:
- Treating your callus and the blister underneath it with sterilized instruments to prevent infection.
- Providing tips for prevention and techniques to manage friction and pressure to your feet when exercising.
- Ordering custom orthotics to evenly distribute pressure and take the weight off the callus and blister.
Seek Treatment for Your Blister
Blisters can be painful, especially when trapped beneath thick, hard calluses. A qualified podiatrist like Dr. Verville can offer the relief you need, all while prioritizing your comfort and safety. Learn more about callus and blister treatment from RNV Podiatry in Frisco, TX.
