Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

216 Fitness: Exercise and Health
physical exercise. Athletic activities such as racquet
sports, rowing, baseball, golfing, bicycling,
and sailing expose the hands to friction and the
risk for blisters. A BLISTER is the body’s attempt to
protect itself from friction-generated injury. Fluid
accumulates between the layers of the skin, separating
the layers and buffering damage to the
underlying delicate tissues. The process stimulates
the NERVE endings in the skin to send signals of
PAIN to the BRAIN. Blister prevention techniques
attempt to anticipate sites of excessive friction to
cushion them from irritation.
The right footwear can prevent many blisters
from developing on the feet. It is important to
wear shoes or boots that fit properly and are
appropriate for the activity. Shoes that are too
loose allow the foot and toes to slide against the
inside of the shoe or the shoe to slip up and down
on the heel. Shoes that are too tight pinch the toes
and trap moisture against the skin. Even the bestfitting
shoes or boots may cause blisters if they are
not right for the activity. Socks absorb moisture
and establish a physical barrier between the foot
and the shoe; double-layer socks are most effective
for this purpose. Socks should fit snugly and
smoothly against the foot, and like shoes or boots
should be appropriate for the intended use. People
whose feet sweat excessively (HYPERHIDROSIS) may
want to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist for
evaluation and treatment to reduce the amount of
moisture their feet produce.
Adhesive bandages, blister pads, moleskin, and
other products can provide additional protection
for areas that are particularly vulnerable to blisters,
such as the back of the heels, the toes, and
any parts of the foot that rub against the shoe.
Some people apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic
ointment to “hot spots.” Other people find dusting
the feet with foot powder or cornstarch, or applying
a dry lubricant, helps keep the feet dry and
smooths their movement within the shoes.
Athletic gloves, appropriate for the activity and
that fit properly, can similarly protect the hands
from friction and moisture. It is important for the
glove to fit without bunching or pinching, otherwise
the glove itself will become the cause of blisters.
Rings worn on the fingers, even with gloves,
can contribute to blisters by allowing the skin to
pinch against them.
A CALLUS (thickened pad of skin) will eventually
form at a site that repeatedly blisters, the body’s
further attempt to protect itself. Once a callus
forms the area is much less likely to blister. Working
up to a level of activity, such as with running
or walking, helps prepare the skin for the exposure
it faces. Blisters are more likely to occur
when engaging in new activities or at a significantly
increased level (such as a competitive
event) within a familiar activity.
See also CHAFING; FITNESS LEVEL; PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
RECOMMENDATIONS; TINEA INFECTIONS; WALKING FOR
FITNESS.