Is it bad to pop blisters?

As a marathoner, I deal with the occasional blister. The worst ones are "black toenails" - but, that's another story.

Anyway, I have found the blister bandaids to be the best solution, no popping or risk of infection.

As Alison suggested, applying a little moleskin, or wearing pads designed to protect hot spots on your feet, will help prevent blisters - in properly fitting shoes. Those cute little shoes we love to shoe off our feet in might not actually be the best for dancing, LOL!

Thanks for the great information Allison. I took your advise and it worked like a charm. The blister is gone and the mole skin is a wonder in itself. Thanks again.

Well, according to the Mayo Clinic they say:

Don't pop it!

(...ok, well they actually didn't say those exact words, but they did say, "Intact skin over blister is better.")

Why?
"Unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection." Do everything you can do to leave the skin intact, which can be a simple bandage.

However, you may want to "pop" the blister if it is painful, and filled with fluid. The link above to the Mayo Clinic details how to do this, and it just takes a small puncture with a sterilized needle (rubbing alcohol will do) to remove the fluid. This is not recommended for everyone, particularly if you have diabetes or other health condition.

If you wear a pair of shoes that you know will give you blisters, apply moleskin to the area to prevent a blister. It works great!