Before practice, how should a blister be managed according to the material?

• A. Pop it and drain pus.
• B. Do not pop it; use a donut pad around it.
• C. Apply ice directly.
• D. Keep it covered with tape only.

Answer: (B)

Friction blisters heal best when you protect the blister and reduce rubbing, rather than popping it or exposing it to direct trauma. Leaving the blister intact and using a donut-shaped pad around it provides cushioning and redistributes pressure, which lowers shear forces at the blister base and lets the skin heal while you continue activity. Popping the blister creates an open wound, raising infection risk and delaying healing. Ice applied directly to the blister can damage delicate skin, and taping alone doesn’t offer enough padding or protection. So the preferred approach is to keep it intact and cushion it with a donut pad around it.