A wound or blister is best cleaned with running tap water. In event medical care we often have to deviate from this, mainly for practical reasons.

For blister treatment we prefer to use adhesive tape (beige in color). This adhesive tape can stay on for the entire event, unless new complaints arise.

We use fixation tape (white in color) for patients who are allergic to the adhesive of the beige tape (zinc oxide rubber or latex). This tape is slightly less strong. Check at the end of each sporting day whether it is still sitting properly. Come back to see us if needed.

After treatment, an open blister is covered with a sterile hydrocolloid wound dressing, such as DuoDERM® Thin. The adhesive tape or fixation tape is then applied over this.

• new blisters have formed or blisters have filled up again
• if the applied tape comes loose or shifts significantly
• in case of signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, or pain;
• swollen, painful, or red lower legs, sometimes with blisters
• other medical complaints

We will then remove the adhesive/fixation tape, reassess the feet, and treat them. We are happy to help you, and try to do everything we can so that you can finish your event.

Leave the tape on until you're home after the event. Your blisters are well protected by the layer of tape.

It is best to remove the tape carefully by hand once you're home. Do not remove the tape from the skin all at once, but remove it very carefully in sections while supporting the skin as you do so. Use the fingers of one hand to hold the skin taut, while using the other hand to pull the tape off little by little. Work toward the middle of the tape this way, so that as small a piece as possible remains that you can then easily remove from the skin. Removing the tape in the shower is also an option.

A friction blister generally heals on its own. New skin grows back underneath the blister. At first, that skin is still sensitive, thin, and vulnerable. So it's important to simply leave the old skin, blister and all, in place. It protects the new skin and will eventually come off on its own. If it's an open blister and part of the old skin is therefore gone, you'll need to be careful for a while. You'll be able to feel yourself what does and doesn't feel okay.

After removing the tape, it's important to keep the blister as dry as possible to limit the risk of infection. So no foot baths or swimming pool visits for the first few days. Showering or washing is fine. A blister usually heals within 1 to 2 weeks.

Make an appointment with your doctor in these situations:

• if there is no improvement in symptoms after 1 week.
• if after some time there are signs of infection, increasing redness and pain, fever, pus from the blister, pain that increases at rest, or loss of function.