Avoiding blisters

[Mileana]

Hi all,

Thought some of you might have some advice on how to avoid blistering when walking?

I haven't been too concerned about it until recently. Obviously, when diabetics have somewhat impaired wound healing, I wouldn't want wounds, and I suppose especially not on my feet.

However, I have a skin condition that means that if it is hot and a bit of moisture and friction is added, I will develop some pretty nasty blisters. I've had this all my life, and more or less ignored the pain as one has to function. I really love walking and I can't imagine I would ever stop...

What I have is a mild version of epidermolysis bullosa which translates to my skin will detach about 1-2 mm deep, leaving a bit of a hole and pink skin which will slowly be covered with a 'film' and heal up in about 1-2 weeks if I'm lucky. Getting out of bed for the first week or so which this on my feet is obviously no pleasure, but hey ho!

Anyone have any tips on how to keep feet dry, friction free and well - whole?

 

[arcaic]

In my experience of running (so may not translate to walking and your specific condition) I have used 2 pairs of socks, a very thin pair beneath normal ones. Alternatively putting some Vasaline on the areas likely to get blisters can help as well.

Andy

 

[phoenix]

I don't get problems with blisters whilst walking. For running I have used vaseline . The podiatrist on the diabetes course I went on soon after diagnosis wasn't keen on it . He gave a general caution against it's use on feet but when I asked him about using it to stop friction said it was OK for that. Nowadays I prefer to use this product from "Boots Gorgeous Feet Amazing Anti-Rub Stick" as it's far better absorbed . There is a similar product used to stop chaffing all over the body but I assume can be used on the feet called Bodyglide (stockists on Amazon)

A year or so ago, I stupidly ran a long distance in fairly new running shoes I got an horrendous, very large blood blister. It was a bit scary when you read all the accounts of non healing blisters/ulcers. I have good sensation in my feet, good circulation and good diabetes control (probably all helped by the exercise). I had already asked my doctor (important) if I could use hydrocolloid blister plasters. I used those and was able to continue running . It healed up very quickly.

 

[Grazer]

Do you get free podiatry treratment in Denmark as we do here Mileana? Might it be worth visiting one for some ideas?

 

[noblehead]

You could try those Gel Insoles that fit into footwear but do ask first, I walk long distances and find good fitting boots and thick socks help to protect the feet, I also use a product called Flexitol Heel Balm on my feet everyday which is safe for diabetics to use....however as you have an existing skin condition you may want to check with your GP or Podiatrist first before using this or any other product.

 

[hanadr]

EB can be nasty
Have you asked your specialist what to do to protect your feet?
What Ido [and I have no skin issues] is to wear hiking socks with separate toes and make sure they fit well and that my boots are laced correctly. So far, it's working.
Hana
Ps do you have a special cream for your EB? if so apply generously overnight before going out.

 

[Mileana]

We should have free foot care, really, so yeah, I may want to make an appointment with such a person.

I haven't been seen for my EB for years at it is really very localised and not causing too much trouble normally - I get blisters the size of one or two 50p coins, it hurts, then heals alright - normally. Feet affected most because of the obvious pressure, hands sometimes if I do stuff I don't normally.

I may have to ask my GP for a new referal really in light of things.

I have been told to not wear cotton socks - always synthetic or wool. Double layers sometimes helps - but then sometimes they don't.

I don't know why but sometimes I get annoyed I have to run around to doctors all the time - it's sometimes like it will make me feel like a hypochondriac when I'm not because it is surreal to have to have stuff checked and fixed all the time. Anyone follow?

I may give the insoles a try if I can find a similar thing around here.

*sigh* lol - no more docs, no more meds, no more hospitals for me for the next decade! Oh well...

-M

 

[Mileana]

Miffed*******

So, I went to this foot person, who checked my feet, all fine.

Then they started bringing out scalpels and knifes as they would 'just sort' my blistered area a bit for me. I said 'wait a minute, you know I've got EB right?' Oh yes, that was not a problem.

I sat for a bit thinking, then let her...

Now what happened was she cut off too much, so my foot almost had no skin around that blister at all, and as I walked home, every step I could just feel it stinging like I was getting a new blister - back home and socks off, and the underside of my foot was more or less a bloody, skinless mess from my big toe to my middle foot and half way across.

I don't know what this person studied or where, I do know they're registered to take care of feet, but I ended up with a wound on my foot that is not insignificant because I went there to ask her how to avoid them.

I am really really p**d off at the moment - it will take weeks to heal and I don't like open wounds on my feet with diabetes.

*sigh* *sigh* *cry*

-M

Oh, and did I mention they charged me 40 quid for it....