Time To Heal With Hydrocolloid Cushions
Draining or breaking your blister bears the risk of infection, so the primary goal to healing a blister is to leave it intact. If the skin is broken, there is often a common misconception that it should be exposed to the air to help it heal faster. But moisture is needed to create an optimal healing environment.
Hydrocolloid blister patches offers the optimal environment, as it absorbs excess fluid, allows the right amount of moisture in, and allow the bodys natural wound healing process to keep moving.
What Are Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages
Hydrocolloid blister plasters are exudate-absorbent hydrophilic gel dressings. They have a rubbery texture and are slightly translucent. As your raw blister base weeps, the plaster absorbs this moisture and forms a gel, turning a white colour. We call this the white gel bubble and it shows that your blister is healing. Its important youre able to see this evidence of hydrocolloid healing. And with the unique addition to the BlisterPod brand of hydrocolloid bandages, youll be able to visualise this perfectly!
Fluids from your deroofed blister combine with the hydrocolloid material to form a white gel bubble.
How Do I Use It On A Blister
Moleskin is very durable, which makes it a good option for protecting blisters in high-friction areas, including your feet.
If youve ever applied a bandage to a blister on the back of your heel, you probably noticed that it came off shortly after you put on shoes. Moleskin tends to stay in place better than traditional bandages. Its also thicker, which adds more support and cushioning.
To use moleskin for blisters, follow these steps:
If your blister sticks out above the moleskin, cut and apply a second layer to make the moleskin thicker. For very large blisters, consider using moleskin with a thick foam backing, which you can also find on .
Keeping your blister surrounded by padding helps to reduce friction and irritation. It also helps to protect the blister from popping, which is usually painful and also increases your risk of infection.
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Best For Walking: Dr Scholls Blister Cushions
Courtesy of Amazon
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Good for sandals or dress shoes
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Not great for humid conditions
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Wont work well for toes
Another outstanding product from Dr. Scholls, these blister cushions are thick, extremely comfortable, and ideal for fitness walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Designed to stay put all day, they protect blisters while reducing friction and shoe rubbing. Made from soft gel cushioning, they move and bend with your foot while providing soothing relief. They’re also water-resistant, so they allow the blister to dry out and heal.
These pads are clear and nearly invisible, making them a great choice if youre wearing sandals or dress shoes and want to discreetly treat your blister. They can even be placed on your hotspots to help with blister prevention.
Price at time of publication: $9
Hydrocolloid Bandages For Blisters

Blisters are a very common skin condition, but they can bring any good day to a halt. The best way to heal blisters fast and get you back on track is to use specially designed cushioned bandages. Hydrocolloid blister patches have been shown to consistently outperform ordinary bandages in terms of pain relief, healing time, wear time, cushioning and satisfaction.
In a recent international study, researchers compared the performance of Compeed® hydrocolloid blister cushions to ordinary bandages for foot blisters.
- Hydrocolloid technology can help heal blisters and provide pain relief
- Hydrocolloid blister cushions are suitable for friction blisters
- Hydrocolloid blister cushions can offer 10X more pain relief than ordinary bandages
Hydrocolloid patches vs. ordinary bandages: The Results Have Spoken |
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Wearing new shoes should not mean living with a painful and often debilitating skin injury. However, wearing new shoes, as well as participating in some sporting activities, are among the top causes for friction blisters. Hydrocolloid bandages have been shown to be better option for blisters. Its time to examine why Compeed® Advanced Blister Care cushions surpassed ordinary bandages. |
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Best For Heels: Sawyer Products Blist
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Good size for heels and ankles
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Small number in pack
Another option for preventing blisters before they develop, Blist-O-Ban Adhesive Bandages are ideal for placement on the blister-prone heel area. The thin but cushioned pad helps to protect your heels as well as the vulnerable part of your ankle that rubs against the top of the shoe. Theyre especially helpful when youre wearing a new pair of shoes and worried about blisters forming in the usual hotspots.
These pads can also be used to provide soothing relief and protection on a blister thats already formed. Water-resistant and designed for multi-day wear, theyre a good option for runners, walkers, hikers, tourists, and anyone whos on their feet for long periods of time.
Price at time of publication: $9
Diagnosing Blisters On The Feet
A foot blister caused by friction typically resolves within a few days with home treatments.
Unfortunately, some blisters dont respond to home treatments or worsen over time. See a doctor if a blister causes severe pain or prevents walking. You should also see a doctor if fever, nausea, or chills accompany a foot blister. This can be a sign of an infection.
Your doctor can drain the blister using a sterile needle. If they suspect an infection, they can examine a sample of the fluid to determine the cause.
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Wear Time And Adhesion
The last thing you want to worry about when you are out and about is changing your bandage multiple times a day. Hydrocolloid blister bandages are once again the better choice as they need to be changed less often than ordinary bandages.
One study has shown that Compeed® Advanced Blister Care cushions stay in place 50% longer than their ordinary bandage counterparts because they were designed to stay in place for several days.
This Blister Bandage Will Save Your Feet
I was a couple of blocks away from my friends house, balancing half a dozen overpriced vegan donuts and two cold brews when I felt it: an eerily familiar sting at my heels. Upon further investigation, I saw I had not one but two horror movie super-giant-mega blisters. Both of which had already popped.
On a drugstore trip for bandages and Reeses Pieces, a silver and aqua box caught my eye: Band-Aid Hydro Seal Blister Heels . Theyre waterproof, cushioned bandages that are rounded to be worn on your heels, and they contain a special ointment to help heal blisters faster.
After reading the instructions, I cleaned my blisters well and patted them dry. Then, I applied the bandages to the back of my heels, without adding any antibacterial ointment or other products. I was immediately struck by the quality of the bandages. They were thick and cushiony, and they made both blisters less sensitive to the touch. I hopped in the shower, trying to test the bandages waterproofness, and was again happily surprised even in a burning hot shower, the bandages didnt peel at all.
Like the box said, the bandages fell off themselves after about a week. My blisters were healed and I had two happy heels, ready to rock and roll.
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What Can I Do To Prevent A Blister
- Apply a thick skin cream or ointment. This can help prevent friction. Your healthcare provider may recommend a certain product.
- Choose clothes that do not bind, rub, or irritate your skin. Some fabrics can prevent blisters by wicking moisture away from your skin. Choose fabric that allows air to flow around your skin. Light clothing that fits loosely prevents friction as you move. Wear work gloves when you use tools such as a rake or a hammer.
- Protect your feet. Keep your feet clean and dry during the day. Wear shoes that fit well. Shoes that rub your feet may cause or worsen blisters. Cushioned insoles, padding, or moleskin can keep your feet from rubbing in your shoes. You can also wear 2 pairs of socks to give your feet more protection.
- Use padding to protect pressure areas, such as your heels. Gauze, moleskin, or similar padding can prevent or relieve pressure. You can also use padding to protect an area that has a blister. Make a hole in the middle of the padding. Place the padding so the blister goes through the hole. Cover the entire area with a bandage.
- Stop your activity if a red area forms. Red or painful skin during activity may be a sign that a blister could form. You may need to stop and add padding or a bandage to the area. You may need to change clothing or your shoes.
The 10 Best Blister Bandages Of 2022
Stop blisters before they start with Engo Oval Blister Prevention Patches
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A common and painful annoyance among runners, walkers, hikers, and other athletes, foot blisters are usually caused by too-tight shoes or wearing wet footwear. Blister bandages can be used to cover the fluid-filled sacs, reducing the pain so you can keep walking or running. They also serve as a protective barrier around the skin by sealing out water, dirt, and germs that can cause infection.
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Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic
Doesnt stick well
What we loved most about this brand of bandages is that it comes with an entire kit of all of the tools you need on hand to soothe your aching feet. This kit comes with moleskin bandages that can be cut to fit perfectly on the trouble areas on your feet. Plus, it has Glacier Gel and antiseptic wipes to keep blisters clean which will promote quicker healing.
Users that elect for this kit are often on the go and need something to toss into the pack when blisters start to rear their ugly heads. Our favorite part about this kit is the customizable moleskin bandages. It doesnt matter where you get a blister, this pack is made to accommodate.
What makes Moleskine perfect is that it is designed to really feel like a second skin on your feet. The bandage is soft and pliable and offers a lot of extra cushioning. Plus, it isnt so sticky that removing it will also remove all of the hair and skin cells off of your body!
If you are in the market for something that is designed for hikers on the go, we feel that this option from Adventure Medical Kits is worth checking out. Not only are the bandages made from high-quality materials, but it also throws in a few extra features to keep your feet clean and protected.
How Should I Care For My Blister

Do not pop your blister or tear the skin on it. This could cause infection and slow the healing process. The following will help protect your blister area:
- Wash your hands before you care for your blister. This will help prevent infection. Use soap and water, or a gel-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your blister with a bandage, if needed. A bandage can help prevent the blister from being torn or popped. If the blister does break open, a bandage can will keep the area clean prevent infection.
- Use a bandage that is large enough to cover the entire blister. This will prevent the bandage from sticking to the blister. Your healthcare provider may tell you to use certain moist bandages or hydrogels.
- You may need a bandage that absorbs well if your blister has a lot of fluid. You may be told to wear a second bandage for extra protection.
- Carefully remove your bandage to care for the area. If the bandage sticks to your blister, pour saline on it. This will help the bandage come off more easily and prevent more skin damage.
- Apply clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet, dirty, or soaked with fluid.
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Spenco 2nd Skin Squares
Slides around
What we loved most about Spenco 2nd Skin Squares bandages is that they can be used just about anywhere. The large tub of 200 cooling bandages will fit anywhere on your foot where there is a lot of rubbing that causes blisters. It works on the side of your foot, in between toes, or even on your heel.
What users love most about this brand of bandages is that they actually help cool and soothe hot spots on your skin. If you have an area that feels hot but hasnt begun to blister just yet, this is a great tool to have on hand. Plus, even if it has turned into a blister, the gel padding of each square protects the blister from further irritation.
Another thing that users love most about this design is that due to the fact that it is made from mostly water, it adheres to the skin without actually sticking to the skin. This means that when it comes time for removal, it will leave all of the hair and skin on your body instead of ending up attached to your bandages!
If you need a bucket of bandages at your disposal that fit just about anywhere and provide you with excellent cooling comfort, then these bandages are one of your best options. Users love them because their small size fits just about anywhere on your foot, and they stay put while in use.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Blisters
Apple cider vinegar to which we are dedicating a complete guide here provides invaluable benefits to all kinds of wounds.
In the case of the blister, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and protect against infection.
Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a tablespoon of water and apply the mixture to the blister using a cotton ball.
Castor oil is well known for its medicinal properties.
It helps fight dryness and provides deep hydration.
Apply castor oil to the blister and leave it on overnight.
In just 2-3 days, healing will be well advanced.
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Home Treatments For Blisters On Feet
You may be tempted to pick at or burst a blister. But you should leave a blister intact because an open blister can become infected. Covering your blister with an adhesive bandage can help protect your blister while it heals.
If you leave a blister alone, it may eventually harden and disappear. Until this happens, the bubble may be uncomfortable, depending on its size. While you shouldnt burst a blister, safely draining the blister may provide relief. Here are steps to properly drain a blister at home:
Nexcare Sensitive Skin Bandages
Have to admit Ive never used these myself, but Nexcare is a well-known island dressing brand. Reviews seem to be quite positive in regards to good adhesion, ease of removal and lack of skin sensitivity reaction. Theyre an interesting shape. I must get a box of these when Im at the chemist next its on my to-do list! Will update this article once Ive given them a good test.
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How To Prevent And Treat Blisters
How to prevent and treat blisters
While we often think of blisters on our feet, these painful skin irritations can occur anywhere on the body where body parts rub together or rub against clothing. To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, dermatologists recommend following these tips.
While we often think of blisters on our feet, these painful skin irritations can occur anywhere on the body where body parts rub together or rub against clothing. Fortunately, blisters can be prevented by preventing chafing. To stop them before they appear, pay attention to your skin and take precautions if you know youre going to do a lot of walking, running, or other physical activity.
To prevent chafing that can lead to blisters, dermatologists recommend the following tips:
Protect your feet. To prevent blisters on your feet, wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesnt help, try wearing two pairs to protect your skin. You should also make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes shouldnt be too tight or too loose.
Wear the right clothing. During physical activity, wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid clothes made of cotton, as cotton soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing.
Consider soft bandages. For problem areas, such as the feet or thighs, consider using adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages. Make sure the bandages are applied securely.
To treat a blister, dermatologists recommend the following: