Caring for Blisters and Calluses on Your Feet—A Podiatrist’s Expert Tips to Treat and Prevent Foot Blisters and Calluses
Nothing can stop you in your tracks like foot issues. From pain and swelling to blisters and calluses—many common foot problems cause pain and discomfort and, left untreated, can negatively affect your daily life.
As a seasoned podiatrist, Dr. Alison Young is familiar with every foot issue you can imagine—and probably some you can’t.
She’s an expert in assessing and treating issues that affect the feet, toes, ankles, and lower legs. She’s also an avid runner and understands and values the importance of foot health and wellness. After all, your feet keep you moving forward!
Foot blisters and calluses are a common cause of foot pain and discomfort. While they may seem small, these issues can quickly intensify without proper care and treatment.
That’s why we’re unpacking everything you need to know about foot calluses and blisters in this month’s informational blog.
In it, you’ll learn the difference between blisters and calluses, who’s at risk, and how to treat them when they occur
You’ll also discover when it’s appropriate to explore home remedies for these issues versus when you should seek out the professional services of a podiatrist
Let’s jump right in!
What’s the difference between blisters and calluses?
Let’s start by defining blisters and calluses and clarifying how they differ.
What are blisters?
A blister is a fluid-filled sac that forms under your outer layer of skin (epidermis). The fluid build-up causes a bump to protrude on your foot. This is often painful to the touch or when activities like standing and walking apply pressure to the area.
In most cases, the sac is filled with clear fluid (either serum or plasma) but if it becomes infected the fluid may be white, yellow, or green.
Blood blisters are a type of blister that occurs when broken blood vessels pool under the skin. These blisters typically appear black, blue, or purple on the surface.
What causes foot blisters?
The most common causes of foot blisters are:
Friction (from rubbing or chafing)
Pressure
Moisture
And burns
Blood blisters on the feet can be caused by foot trauma, such as from a sports injury.
If you’re active, chances are good you’ve had a foot blister at some point. Most often, they result from ill-fitting shoes or socks that rub on your feet and ankles and cause your skin to become irritated and inflamed over time.
What are calluses?
Calluses are hard bumps formed by a build-up of thickened skin. They’re most commonly found on the soles of your feet, especially around your heels, the balls and sides of your feet, and your big toes.
Calluses are typically slightly raised, hard to the touch, and irregularly shaped. They may be a different hue than the rest of the skin on your feet, often appearing whiter or yellower in comparison.
Corns are the same tissue as calluses but tend to be smaller and rounder and show up more often on the sides or tops of your toes than on the bottoms of your feet.
What causes foot calluses?
Like blisters, calluses form from friction and repeated force. Because the bottoms of your feet bear your weight and come into contact with the ground, calluses there are common.
Unlike blisters, calluses are not filled with fluid. Like blisters, calluses are formed by repeated pressure, friction, or irritation to your skin.
Calluses form to help protect your skin from ongoing pressure and irritation.
Now that you’ve got a handle on what blisters and calluses are and the differences between them, let’s explore treatment options for each,
Treating foot blisters and calluses
The good news is that blisters and calluses are common and aren’t usually serious. They can often be treated effectively with at-home remedies, with some notable exceptions.
Let’s break down your treatment approaches for foot blisters and calluses—
Treatment for foot blisters
The right first aid for foot blisters depends on where the blister is and how much pain it’s causing.
It’s best to avoid puncturing a foot blister if possible. Popping and draining a blister can open the area up to bacteria and infection. Remember: the fluid that forms under your skin is trying to protect your irritated skin from further damage.
Cover the blister with a bandage or a piece of moleskin fabric and cut it to fit the area. This will protect the blister and allow it to heal while adding cushioning to reduce further irritation.
Of course, some blisters pop on their own or must be drained to reduce discomfort.
If your blister pops on its own, clean the area as quickly as possible with soapy water and apply medicated ointment or Vaseline to create a barrier.
If possible, avoid removing the skin over the blister, as this will aid healing and help keep your skin protected.
If you need to drain a foot blister to prevent pain and discomfort, it’s important to do so in a way that doesn’t invite infection or prolong your healing.
Wash your hands thoroughly and cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Clean and sanitize a sharp needle and use it to make a few holes along the outer edges of the blister.
Apply gentle pressure to aid the fluid drainage, while taking care to leave the skin over the blister intact.
Once your blister is drained, follow the steps above and apply an antibiotic ointment or layer of petroleum jelly to the blister and cover it with a bandage.
Once your blister has healed for a few days and is showing no signs of infection, you may be able to gently remove some of the dead skin around the area, using sanitized tools. Continue to cleanse the area and apply bandages.
If your blister ever appears infected or is red, oozing, or hot to the touch—it’s time to contact your trusted primary care doctor or podiatrist. Infected foot blisters are not something you want to handle alone.
Treatment for foot calluses
Calluses’ appearance can mimic other foot conditions, such as warts and cysts. That’s why it’s always important to know if your foot issue is, in fact, a callus, as this will affect treatment approaches.
When in doubt, it’s best to connect with a trusted healthcare professional to differentially diagnose your foot issues. Podiatrists are highly skilled at diagnosing foot calluses and can help you with effective treatment.
Especially if you have a chronic health condition like diabetes that can impact your nerves and circulation—it’s vital to get a doctor’s support in assessing and treating any foot issues you face.
Some folks are more at risk of developing foot calluses, due to both medical reasons and lifestyle choices.
You’re at increased risk of foot calluses and corns if you:
Have conditions like foot arthritis, hammertoes, bone spurs, or bunions
Wear ill-fitting footwear (especially shoes that are too narrow and restricting on your feet)
Don’t wear socks
If home treatment is appropriate, there are a few ways you can approach healing your foot calluses—
Soak it up—start by soaking the area in warm water for several minutes to soften the thick, toughened skin
Thin skin—grab a pumice stone, nail file, or emery board and get to work! Rubbing your callus with these will help remove some of the thickened skin.
Moisturize—keeping the area moist will help your skin recover and remain smooth. It will also reduce risks for your callus to form cracks, which can be painful and even introduce bacteria, leading to infection
Pad it out—using moleskin or donut-shaped adhesive pads (sometimes called corn pads) can help keep the area protected and promote healing
You may have seen corn and callus remover topical medications and medicated bandages in your local drugstore—these are not typically recommended as they often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin and lead to more problems.
If necessary, your podiatrist can prescribe foot callus treatments that carry fewer risks and can help you safely monitor their effectiveness.
Foot callus and blister prevention tips
The best way to treat foot blisters and calluses is to avoid getting them in the first place!
Thankfully, many strategies can reduce your risks of developing these common foot issues.
Key tips to prevent foot blisters and calluses include:
Keep an eye out—Sometimes, simply keeping tabs on your tootsies can help you recognize any changes. This way, you can catch calluses early on and start taking steps to keep them at bay. If your feet or ankles develop a “hot spot,” this can signal that a blister is trying to form. Treat it as soon as possible by applying a bandage, pad, or piece of moleskin to reduce friction
Focus on footwear—choosing right-fitting shoes that meet your needs is the key to foot wellness. From support and cushioning to keeping calluses at bay, your shoes are the first step in your foot health. The right footwear can help you avoid blisters and calluses
Don’t skip socks—from keeping your feet dry to reducing friction, socks are a good bet to reduce risks for calluses and blisters. Choose snug socks that don’t bunch up and offer protection for your ankles from chafing and irritation. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, consider opting for a moisture-wicking pair.
Trim toenails—long toenails that press against the insides of your shoes can lead to irritation, blisters, and corns. Lack of toenail maintenance can also lead to other foot health issues, like ingrown toenails
Proper padding—the right footwear cushioning and support is key to your overall foot health and wellness. And, let’s face it, your health and wellness starts from the ground up. That’s why selecting shoes with adequate padding for your unique gait and foot shape is vital. This is another important step in keeping calluses and blisters at bay.
Speaking of padding—did you know City Step Podiatry offers custom orthotics?
If you’re looking to banish foot calluses and blisters and give your feet and ankles the support and cushioning they deserve to feel their best, custom orthotics may be right for you.
These high-tech shoe inserts are custom-fit to your feet and foot health needs. They provide cushioning and support, reduce strain, and even improve your gait. Our expert team will work closely with you to ensure your custom orthotic inserts are the perfect fit.
Now that you know the common causes of foot blisters and calluses, you’re well-equipped to prevent them in the future! If you need extra support and guidance to achieve your foot health and wellness needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Young and her staff are here to help you step strong in Chicago.
Check out our blog for helpful tips and info to keep your feet and ankles strong and healthy! Learn about our specialized podiatry services and book with us easily online from the comfort of your home or office!
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
