Blisters

Sometimes you can't feel them until they bleed. Sometimes you can feel them before they're even there. No matter what, blisters are (literally) a pain! Here's a dancers guide to the pesky little buggers.

What are they?

Blisters form when your skin is repeatedly rubbed, like when you releve en pointe, or when you dance across a floor barefoot. The lop layer of skin separates and the gap become filled with fluid, blood, or in the case of infection, puss. They can also be cause by high temperature, chemicals, or disease. 

Why do they hurt?

The topmost layer of your skin has been pulled away from the bottom layer. That hurts! Also, that bottom layer of skin is not ready to protect you yet; its still being perfected by your body like a car halfway down the assembly line. This is why when air or water hits the new skin, it stings like crazy! It's not ready to come into contact with those things! 

I have a blister that isn't popped. How do I treat it? 

You should never pop a blister on purpose, because you could set yourself up for a nasty infection. Instead, carefully bandage it with band-aids or toe tape. I prefer to use one band-aid around the blistered toe, and then wrap it in a layer of toe tape.  

If the blister is on the bottom of your foot, try not to do anything strenuous to that area until it has healed. That means no barefoot turns or leaps! Foot Undies can help, you can buy them at many dance stores or online. I love www.discountdance.com for dance supplies. 

I have a blister and it has popped. How do I treat it?

If your blister has already popped, be sure to keep the area clean! You have just lost one of your bodies main defense systems; skin. Put an anti-bacterial ointment on it, before putting on a band-aid or any other bandage. You can use NewSkin, but I find it to be quite painful on freshly popped blisters, and it peels off in a day or two. 

Remember to ALWAYS uncover your blisters at night, or anytime you are resting. This gives them a chance to dry out and will speed the healing process AND reduce your risk of infection. 

OUCH! My pointe shoes always give me blisters!

If you do not wear padding, you might find that it helps with blisters. OuchPouches are very popular. If you prefer something more traditional, you can try lambs wool. In fact, lambs wool can serve many different purposes so I suggest you get some any way! 

If you have any more questions about blisters, ask away and I will try and get back to you!