When most people think of blisters, the first thought that comes into their mind probably has to do with blisters brought on by running or hiking.

It's true that both of these activities can contribute to blister formation (in fact, blisters are the most common injury for endurance runners). They have many other causes, though, from wearing an ill-fitting bra to swinging a golf club too many times in a row.

Do you struggle with blisters on a regular basis? If so, we're here to help.

Read on for a helpful guide on how to prevent blisters on hands, feet, and other areas. You'll also learn some steps you can take to treat them and protect yourself from potential complications.

What Causes Blisters?

Blisters are much more than just a running injury or side effect of a long hike. They can occur any time there's friction and/or heat between your skin and another surface. They sometimes result from contact with toxic chemicals, such as detergent, too, and they may be a side effect of medical conditions like the chickenpox or impetigo. 

Regardless of the specific cause, one will appear when fluid begins to collect under the skin that's been damaged. This helps to cushion the tissue below the surface of the skin and protects it from additional damage.

It's most common for blisters to be filled with serum, a clear fluid. Sometimes, they contain blood, though (this is appropriately known as a blood blister), or pus in the case of inflammation and infection.  This skin condition; is considered one of the most painful blisters, though traditional skin blisters and frictional blisters can be just as bad.

Why Are Blisters Dangerous?

For some people, especially those who are involved in activities in which blisters are par for the course (running, walking, rock climbing, etc.), blisters might not seem like a big deal. They might even be so used to them that they don't think they're worth preventing. In reality, though, it's important to take steps to keep blisters at bay as much as possible.

Blisters have the potential to be dangerous, especially if they go untreated for extended periods of time. The following are some of the most noteworthy risks associated with blisters:

Pain

First of all, blisters hurt. If you've ever had one, you know that they can make even the simplest activities feel almost impossible.

It's amazing how even the tiniest blister can send waves of pain shooting throughout your entire body. No matter where they're located, blisters can sideline the toughest individuals and prevent them from enjoying their favorite activities. 

Altered Movement Patterns

When a blister develops, you have to divert all of your energy to avoiding having to make any kind of contact with it. This can be very tricky, especially if it is located somewhere that has a lot of pressure placed on it, such as your foot or heel. 

In doing this awkward dance to try and avoid making your irritated skin come in contact with your shoes, clothing, or another surface, you'll likely notice that the way you move changes. You might distribute your weight differently or start to limp, for example. If you do this for a long period of time, such as on your way back from a hike or during a long workout, you could end up causing more serious injuries.

Think about it. If you alter your movement patterns while you walk, you might develop aches and pains that you wouldn't have had otherwise. You might be more prone to tripping, falling, and hurting yourself, too. 

Increased Risk of Infection

Last, but certainly not least, when you have a blister, you also have a greater chance of dealing with an infection.

If it pops (whether that pop is forced or is an unfortunate accident) and gets exposed to dirt, sweat, and germs, it's possible that it could become infected. This will cause you to be sidelined (sometimes for quite a while) as you wait for the infection to go away. It'll also warrant a trip to the doctor's office and the use of antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent it from spreading.

This all sounds annoying and like a hassle that you'd probably rather avoid, right?

How to Treat Blisters

When it comes to figuring out how to heal blisters on hands, feet, or other areas, there are a few strategies you can use to recover as quickly as possible. The following are some of the most beneficial strategies people use to treat blisters:

Do Not Pop

Resist the urge to pop the blister. This can increase the risk of infection and lead to complicated medical conditions, especially since most people who try to pop them do not sterilize their equipment in the proper way beforehand.    

Keep It Clean

Wash your blister gently with soap and water. While washing it, do your best not to accidentally pop it. 

Cover It Up

You can get some relief while you wait for your blister to heal by covering it with a clean bandage. This will help to protect it from friction and the risk of infection. You may want to cover it with some antibiotic ointment as well. 

How to Prevent Blisters

It's a good idea to have some information in your toolbelt to help you when it comes to treating blisters. It's better, though, if you never have to look up information on how to treat blisters on hands and feet in the first place.

With the right prevention strategy, you can spare yourself the irritation and discomfort that comes with developing and treating blisters. You can also avoid the potential risks that blisters present, from pain to possible infection. The key to blister prevention is preventing chafing to occur.

There are lots of techniques that people use to find relief from chafe and prevent blisters. A lot of them are old wives' tales, though, and are not very effective.

If you want to prevent heel blisters or avoid developing them on any other part of your body, don't waste your time on useless tools from the drugstore. Instead, try using The Solemates Blister Blocker balms. 

These anti-chafing and anti-friction balms provide you with all-natural blister prevention, and they come in three different varieties. You and your loved ones can use them to prevent blisters and enjoy long-term comfort and relief from chafing as you participate in all your favorite activities:

Original

The Original Solemates Blister Blocker balm helps you avoid blisters on your feet, hands, and other areas with ease. Whether your high heels cause blisters at work or your bra strap leads to blisters on your shoulder, this balm is the best way to prevent blisters.. It comes in an easy-to-apply stick, goes on clear, and lasts for up to 6 hours.

The Original Blister Blocker balm is dermatologist-recommended and is free from artificial fragrances. It also does not contain any PEG, alcohol, parabens, or silicone. When you use this product, you can rest easy knowing you're preventing blisters without putting your health at risk or increasing your chances of skin irritation.

SPORT

Blister Blocker: SPORT is perfect for athletes of all kinds. If your sport of choice causes blisters on your hands, feet, inner thighs, or anywhere else for that matter, this is a great tool to use.

Blister Blocker: SPORT nourishes and moisturizes the skin while also being able to protect from friction and protect from chafing. This, in turn, helps prevent blisters from popping up and throwing off your groove.

Like the Original Blister Blocker balm, this formulation is fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended, and is made with all-natural ingredients. It even contains zinc ricinoleate, which helps to prevent odors and keep you smelling and feeling fresh all day long. It's cruelty-free as well.

Kids

Between new shoes, new backpacks, and the ups and downs of playground life, it's not at all uncommon for kids to come home complaining of blisters or their feet, hands, or shoulders. If you want your little loved one to have fun outside and enjoy being a kid, arm them with Blister Blocker: Kids.

The child-friendly version of Solemates' Blister Blocker balm is just as effective as the original formulations, but it's extra gentle on kids' skin, and it's easy for them to apply.

This balm contains lavender oil for a soothing, relaxing experience that will protect from chafe, rubbing, and friction. Like our other products, it does not contain any artificial fragrances, parabens, or other potentially harmful ingredients. Even those with sensitive skin can use Blister Blocker: Kids without having to worry about any reactions or irritation. 

Prevent Blisters on Your Feet and Hands Today

The idea of figuring out how to prevent blisters might seem impossible at first. It's easier to keep them at bay than you think, though, especially if you use our Blister Blocker balms.

Whether you want the original, sport, or kids' formulation, we've got something for everyone and, unlike a lot of other gimmicks out there, our balms work. Blisters and all the problems they can cause will be a thing of the past once you get your hands on one of our balms.

Check out our collections today to learn more about the different varieties available or to place your first order. We also have lots of products that can help you heal existing blisters, find relief from rubbing, and feel your best no matter what.