3 ways to... BEAT BLISTERS

PREVENT

Blisters are smallall pockets of fluid caused by friction or heat, mainly affecting g the hands and feet. They are more likely to develop on moist skin, so wear protective gloves when doing oing manual work such as gardening to keep hands dry.

Wear comfortable, well-fitting footwear if walking long distances – and don’t wear cotton socks, which don’t breathe and hold moisture. Choose Merino wool, silk or a combination. Talcum power can also help keep feet dry.

TREAT

Jason Hargrave, consultant podiatrist at the Harley Street Foot & Ankle Centre in London, says: ‘Blisters can be painful, so using a hydrocolloid blister plaster – like Compeed – will absorb the fluid in the blister and speed up healing. They are also thicker than ordinary plasters, so they cushion the blister and relieve pressure. If you can’t get hold of these, smear with Vaseline to reduce any more friction.’

A red ‘halo’ around the blister, considerable pain or milky or yellow fluid can be all be signs of infection, and you may need to see your GP for antibiotics.

DON’T BOTHER

It might be tempting, but try not to pop your blister. The bubble is the body’s way of protecting the damaged skin, keeping out infection and improving the healing process. If you do end up popping it (or it pops itself), never cut away the dead skin for the same reasons.