How long do blisters typically last?

Most blisters heal in one to two weeks on their own, as long as you leave them alone (don't pop them). Avoid any type of physical activity that irritates the blisters until they heal. Also, watch for signs of infection, which can slow or stop blisters' healing (and must be treated with antibiotics). If you see increased swelling or redness, or the pain worsens instead of improving, see your healthcare provider right away.

Is it better to pop a blister or leave it?

Dermatologists recommend leaving a blister alone. Let blisters heal on their own; popping them could cause an infection. However, in certain instances, you might need to drain a blister of pus. If the blister is large and painful, sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and pierce one edge of the blister. This allows fluid to drain and can help provide you some pain relief. Be sure to wash the area with soap and water before and after you drain the blister.

How can I speed the healing of a blister?

To speed up the healing of a blister, cover it with a bandage. This helps prevent additional irritation that can worsen the blister. Also, keep the skin around the blister clean. Gently use soap and water to wash the area, and then slather some petroleum jelly on and around the blister to protect the raw skin.

Where does the fluid in a blister come from?

The liquid inside a blister is called serum. The fluid builds up because of leaks from neighboring tissues as a reaction to skin that has been injured. This liquid provides protection to the skin beneath the blister.

The 10 Best Products to Help Prevent and Treat Foot Blisters

If you’re an avid runner or long-distance walker, you know there’s almost nothing more debilitating than having blisters on your foot. The best way to treat blisters is to prevent them, but there are plenty of products to help treat any current breakouts. The best products to help prevent and treat foot blisters contain skin-softening ingredients and will fit the shape and size of the blister.

Reviewed & Approved

The BodyGlide FootGlide Anti-Blister Balm is fantastic for keeping skin soft, hydrated, and smooth to prevent blisters and chafing. We also recommend the Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Pads for naturally healing any blisters you already have.

From socks to creams to patches, there are many treatments out there to help relieve the pain from blisters. No matter what product you choose for treatment and prevention, you'll want to make sure it will stay in place. Look for socks and patches that fit without sliding off and creams that won't easily rub off while you walk. We researched popular products from trusted brands with these features in mind.

Here are the best products on the market to prevent and treat foot blisters.

Our Top Picks

BodyGlide FootGlide at Amazon

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2Toms BlisterShield at Amazon

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Spenco Blister Pads at Amazon

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Gold Bond Body Powder at Amazon

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Dr. Scholl's Plus Padding Roll at Amazon

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Aquaphor Healing Ointment

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Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic at Amazon

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Balega Socks at Amazon

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Compeed Bllister Care at Amazon

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Foot Kinetics Blister Prevention Cream at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Foot Glide Anti Blister Balm. Courtesy of Amazon.com

We love this affordable balm for preventing blisters and chafing. In a convenient stick form, you can apply the BodyGlide Foot Anti-Blister Balm to your toes, heels, sides of feet, soles, and ankles before putting on your shoes. Vegan approved, it's infused with vitamins A and C and plant-derived ingredients to help soften skin and restore dry, chapped, and chafed feet, and it helps minimize inflammation. The formula is also lightweight, allergen-free, fragrance-free, non-greasy, footwear-safe, sweat-resistant, water-resistant, and won't clog your pores. It can be applied daily, and it won't rub off while you walk.

Price at time of publication: $9

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

BlisterShield eliminates or greatly reduces the friction that causes painful blisters and chafing. This silicone-based product is non-greasy and can be applied daily before running. It won't rub off during your runs but is easily removed with a little soap and water.

Price at time of publication: $15

Amazon

Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Pads are hydrocolloid pads bordered by a thin film to help keep blisters from drying out. They absorb perspiration and help promote a scab-free, naturally healed blister.

Price at time of publication: $11

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Wearing the right socks help keep your feet dry, but a little sprinkle of powder can't hurt. Just put a little bit of Gold Bond Powder in your socks before putting them on. Some bonuses: The powder helps neutralize foot odor and contains a special cooling ingredient to help keep your feet comfortable.

Price at time of publication: $8

Photo courtesy of PriceGrabber

Moleskin can also be used to cover a blister that has already formed. It's a much better option than covering your blisters with Band-Aids, which tend to move around a lot and could lead to more blisters.

Moleskin comes in sheets, so you can cut the size and shape that you need to cover. Once you stick it on, it stays put. Some runners also put moleskin over "hot spots" on their feet that are prone to blisters as a preventive measure. If you do this, make sure the moleskin is applied smoothly (no wrinkles) and is not too tight.

Price at time of publication: $8

4.4

Walgreens

Aquaphor is a great alternative to BodyGlide, and unlike BodyGlide, it's available in most drugstores. Use it to help prevent the friction that causes blisters.

Price at time of publication: $7

Courtesy of Amazon

Adventure Medical Kits Blister Medic kit contains everything you need to help prevent and treat blisters, including moleskin adhesive, bandages, Spenco Second Skin, double antibiotic ointments, mole foam, antiseptic towelettes, and even a small pair of folding scissors. It all comes in a lightweight and convenient kit.

The Balega Blister Resist No Show Sock comes cushioned with thick woven padding, while the top of the sock is thinner. Constructed with an extra-deep heel pocket ensures that each sock fits the foot perfectly and does not slide down during a run. Those who have worn them swear by them, often ordering several pairs at once.

The socks are made with several materials, primarily Drynamix that wicks moisture away and mohair, which holds moisture, keeping feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The socks come in ten style colors., from Ethereal Blue/Light Aqua to Lilac Rose/Electric Pink.

Price at time of publication: $21

Courtesy of Amazon

The Compeed Advanced Blister Care is constructed with active gel pads, offering comfort and performance. One pack includes two medium, two small, and one toe hydrocolloid patch. Great for blisters on hands, fingers, feet, heels, and toes. Those who've worn the pads say they completely cover your blister, seal tightly to protect, and stay on for several days.

Price at time of publication: $20

HikeGoo. Courtesy of Amazon

HikeGoo moisturizes while protecting skin from abrasion, preventing blisters and calluses on feet. A single application lasts all day, working in wet and dry conditions. It doesn’t stain or leaves any residue. It’s built with an easy applicate cap for convenience.

Price at time of publication: $12

Final Verdict

Since the goal is to prevent blisters from appearing, the BodyGlide Foot Anti-Blister Balm is the best overall product for doing the job. Infused with Vitamin A and C to help soften skin and restore dry, chapped, and chafed feet, it minimizes inflammation while preventing blisters and raw skin caused by chafing.

If you’re looking for a sock, consider the Balega Blister Resist No Show Sock. The socks come cushioned with thick woven padding and an extra-deep heel pocket ensures that each sock fits the foot perfectly.

What to Look for in Products to Help Prevent and Treat Blisters

Ingredients

Because you want to prevent blisters from happening, look for lotions that you can rub on your feet, hands, and neck (anywhere you get blisters and chafing) that contain skin-softening ingredients. Nutrients to look for include shea butter, fatty acids, mineral oils, cocoa butter, potassium, and magnesium.

Shape

It's best to use padding or bandages that fit the size of the blister you're treating. If you have a small blister on your toe, you need a small bandage that won't result in friction as you move (as this can cause additional blisters). If you have a blister on the heel of your foot, you need a pad designed for a larger area. Look for products that come in a range of sizes, or that you can cut to best fit the shape and size of the blister.

Water Resistance

If you swim or find that your feet get quite sweaty when you run, look for blister bandage products that are at least water-resistant or better yet, waterproof. This will help keep your bandage in place as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do blisters typically last?

Most blisters heal in one to two weeks on their own, as long as you leave them alone (don't pop them). Avoid any type of physical activity that irritates the blisters until they heal.
Also, watch for signs of infection, which can slow or stop blisters' healing (and must be treated with antibiotics). If you see increased swelling or redness, or the pain worsens instead of improving, see your healthcare provider right away.
Is it better to pop a blister or leave it?

Dermatologists recommend leaving a blister alone. Let blisters heal on their own; popping them could cause an infection.
However, in certain instances, you might need to drain a blister of pus. If the blister is large and painful, sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol and pierce one edge of the blister. This allows fluid to drain and can help provide you some pain relief. Be sure to wash the area with soap and water before and after you drain the blister.
How can I speed the healing of a blister?

To speed up the healing of a blister, cover it with a bandage. This helps prevent additional irritation that can worsen the blister. Also, keep the skin around the blister clean. Gently use soap and water to wash the area, and then slather some petroleum jelly on and around the blister to protect the raw skin.
Where does the fluid in a blister come from?

The liquid inside a blister is called serum. The fluid builds up because of leaks from neighboring tissues as a reaction to skin that has been injured. This liquid provides protection to the skin beneath the blister.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a certified personal trainer and running coach, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, understands the importance of picking the right fitness equipment. She is always researching and testing the latest fitness and outdoor gear, tools, and gadgets for her work as a fitness writer and to recommend to her clients and fellow fitness fanatics.

BodyGlide FootGlide Foot Anti-Blister Balm

2Toms BlisterShield

Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Pads

Gold Bond Body Powder

Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus Padding Roll

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Adventure Medical Kits GlacierGel Blister Medic

Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks For Men and Women (1 Pair)

Compeed Advanced Blister Care 5 Count Mixed Sizes Pads (2 Packs)

Foot Kinetics HikeGoo Blister Prevention Cream