To put it simply: Dealing with blisters is an actual pain. If youre reading this, you probably already know that blisters are those red, raised areas that look like bubbles and occur mostly on the feet for us runners. Located on the upper layer of skin, they often fill with fluid and may also hurt or itch.

Many runners incur them during races, especially marathons, due to prolonged friction between your skin and sock or shoe. But blisters can pop up at any time, including during training runs, and non-running footwear can be to blame as well.

While most blisters dont pose a serious health risk, they shouldnt be taken lightly. A painful blister can sideline a runneror worse, get infected, especially if you use an unsanitary needle to pop it. Heres a complete guide for blister treatment and the best products for first aid and prevention.

Friction leads to annoying, painful blisters. The culprits are usually our socks, shoes, or both rubbing against our skin. Anything that intensifies rubbing can start a blister, including a faster pace, poor-fitting shoes, and foot abnormalities, such as bunions, heel spurs, and hammertoes. Heat and moisture intensify friction by causing your feet to swell.

Blisters commonly pop up during races or long runs when mileage is increased and friction occurs without intervention. Your body responds to this friction by producing fluid, which builds up beneath the skin thats being rubbed.

And since moisture is also a factor, races are the perfect breeding ground for blisters: Youre perspiring more by running faster and longer, sloshing through water stations and, if the weather is warm, possibly pouring water over your head.

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If you have a large blister thats big, nasty, even purple, and its affecting how your toes bend, give it a day or two to shrink, says Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and a marathoner. If it doesnt improve, you might need to have your doctor pop it in the office under sterile conditions so it doesnt get infected.

If you have a small blister thats not prohibiting your movement, as tempting as it is to touch it, just leave it alone. When the skin and the membrane of the skin are compromised by popping the blister, all of the bacteria that live on the skin normally can invade and could cause inflammation or an infection right away, Metzl says.

You could end up making a very small problem much bigger by puncturing the barrier. You should also leave small blood blisters intact, too. Otherwise, you risk getting bacteria in your bloodstream. Cover it up so the swelling goes down, then try to fix the problem that caused it. Here are some prevention methods to treat small blisters:

If you absolutely must pop a blister (for example, if youre traveling and cant see your doctor), use caution. Metzl suggests cleaning the area and needle with soap and water and following with an antibiotic ointment. Then be sure to clean the area regularly to prevent infection.

One more note: A blister under a nail is best treated by a professional. You never want to deliberately remove the toenail.

To stop blisters before they even start to form, Metzl recommends making sure youre wearing running shoes in the right size. And before you run, coat risky areas with products that dry out your skin, such as baby powder or anti-chafing powder, to minimize the effects of sweating. You can also use a lubricant such as Vaseline or anti-chafing balm to ease pain caused by rubbing.

Shoes that are too small will cause blisters under the toenails or on the tops or tips of the toes. There should be a thumbs width of space between the toes and the end of the toe box. Pay attention to your socks, too: They should fit without bunching up at your toes or slipping down your heels, which are common blister hot spots.

If you suspect your shoes dont fit, consult with your local running store to have an expert help you find your size via a virtual or in-person fitting, or look for socks with reinforced heels and toes to help reduce friction.

Here is the gear we recommend to stave off blisters from occurring, and the products we recommend for healing. Because popping happens.

Lakota Gambill

Altra Torin 4.5 Plush

$139.95

The Torin 4.5 has 360-degree cushioning to surround your foot in a comfy, snug, and secure upper. The Quantic midsole provides a soft and bouncy platform that provides support for your feet and joints. Ample room in the foot-shaped toe box guards against blisters and black toenails.

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Lakota Gambill

Topo Athletic Runventure 3

$120.00backcountry.com

Lightweight and flexible, the Runventure is swift on the groomed path and nimble on rugged terrain. The shoe has a rock plate so the pads of your feet wont get poked by trail debris, and a wide forefoot provides stability and wiggle room for your toes. A secure lace enclosure ensures a snug fit without rubbing.

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Injinji Run Lightweight No-Show Socks

Isolate your toes to prevent friction by wearing technical toe socks. Injinjis are lightweight and allow your feet to splay thanks to the five-toe design. A heel cuff protects your Achilles, and the nylon-polyester blend wicks away sweat.

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Bombas Performance Running Merino Ankle Socks

Bombass running socks have a heel cuff to prevent irritation from collar rubbing, and a front cuff to shield your skin from tongue friction. The socks are also contoured and cushioned, with a seamless toe.

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Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

Body Glide is a convenient balm stick thats available in various sizes from .35 to 2.5 ounces, making it packable for travel and easy to pocket on a run. The balm isnt wet or greasy, and keeps pores clog-free.

Squirrels Nut Butter All Natural Anti-Chafe Salve

$13.99

Squirrels Nut Butter is another preventative product you can slather on blister-prone areas. The nut refers to coconut oil. Other ingredients include nourishing and hydrating cocoa butter, beeswax, and Vitamin E.

Dr. Scholls Moleskin Plus Padding Roll

$22.13

This cotton and foam moleskin roll is perfect for padding blisters, callouses, and bunions. Simply cut a piece down to any size and apply to the areaor areason your foot that are prone to hot spots while running.

KT Tape Performance+ Blister Treatment Patch

Protect blisters and ease pain with this durable hydrocolloid gel patch, which has a waterproof seal and is hypoallergenic and latex-free. Its durable enough to last up to seven days on the affected area.

Band-Aid Hydro Seal Adhesive Bandages For Toe Blisters

These sleek gel pads are dedicated little toe guards. The waterproof adhesive keeps the cushioning in place and seals out dirt and germs.

Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment

$6.99

To prevent infection, apply Neosporin and a bandage (like Band-Aids Blister Gel Guard, above). The ointment comes in a small, slim tube thats convenient for travel or storing in your race belt.

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Best Blister Treatment and Prevention Products | Gear for Blisters 2020 - Runner's World