Skip to main content
Where to buy
Blisters
Cause

Blisters Vs Callus: Know the Difference

Have you ever had that sudden sting of a blister forming after a long walk in new shoes or noticed a rough, hardened patch on your feet after a day of being on your feet? If you’ve experienced either, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable these skin reactions can be.

Blisters and calluses might both pop up when our skin is under pressure, but they’re not the same thing—and knowing the difference can save you from discomfort and even help you treat them faster.

Let’s explore the differences between blisters and calluses, why each one forms, and the best ways to prevent and treat them.

Jump to:

Blisters vs Calluses: key differences

Understanding the difference between blisters and calluses can make it easier to prevent and treat them. Here’s a quick comparison:

BlistersCalluses
Filled with fluidThickened, hard skin
Often painful, especially to touchUsually painless
Temporary, heals in daysLonger lasting
Caused by short-term friction or heatCaused by long-term pressure/friction

Man holding blistered foot

What is a blister?

You may be wondering – What does a blister look like? A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms just beneath the skin, usually caused by friction or heat. If you’ve ever worn a pair of shoes that rub the wrong way, you know just how quickly a blister can appear.

The fluid inside a blister acts as a cushion, protecting the underlying skin from further damage. Unlike the tougher, thick surface of a callus, a blister is delicate and can be quite painful.

Symptoms of a Blister

  • Small, raised bump filled with fluid
  • Redness and irritation around the area
  • Pain, especially when touched or pressured

What causes Blisters

Blisters can pop up for a few reasons. The most common cause is friction—like when your shoes rub the wrong way or your socks don’t fit quite right. Heat or burns, such as sunburns or touching hot surfaces, can also cause blisters as your skin tries to protect itself. Certain skin conditions, like eczema, can also lead to unexpected blisters.

How to Treat a Blister

When it comes to treating blisters, it’s important to act quickly to relieve the discomfort and avoid infection:

  • Leave It Alone:

    As tempting as it might be, try not to pop the blister! The fluid inside is actually helping to cushion and protect the skin underneath while it heals.

  • Cover It Up:

    Cover the blister with a specialised bandage like Compeed® Blister Plasters. These plasters do more than protect; they help relieve pain instantly, reduce rubbing, and provide deep cushioning, making it easier for the blister to heal.

  • Drain If Necessary:

    If your blister is really big and painful, you might need to drain it. First, sterilise a needle and gently pierce the edge to release the fluid, leaving the top layer of skin intact to keep it protected.

  • Clean and Protect:

    If the blister bursts on its own, clean it with antiseptic or saltwater to keep germs at bay. Then, pat it dry and cover it with a clean bandage to keep it safe while it heals.

Man holding toe with blister

What is a callus?

So, what is a callus? A callus is a thick, hard patch of skin that forms over time due to constant friction or pressure. Unlike blisters, which are soft and fluid-filled, calluses are dry, tough, and usually painless. They’re your skin’s way of toughening up to protect areas that experience regular friction.

What Causes Calluses?

There are a few common reasons why calluses pop up. They usually form when your skin deals with repeated pressure or friction. For instance, if your shoes are a bit too tight or rub in certain spots, you might start to notice calluses on areas of your feet that take on extra pressure. Even walking barefoot on hard surfaces can trigger them as your skin builds up a natural barrier to protect itself.

Symptoms of a callus

  • Hard, thickened areas of skin, usually in places that experience frequent friction
  • Often yellowish or grey, with a rough texture
  • Generally painless unless they grow too thick or crack

How to treat a callus

Treating calluses is slightly different from blisters because they aren’t as delicate and don’t contain fluid.

  • Soak and Exfoliate:

    Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes to soften the callused skin. Then, gently exfoliate using a pumice stone or foot file to help reduce the thickness.

  • Moisturise Regularly:

    Apply a foot cream to keep your skin soft and prevent further buildup.

  • Use Cushions for Comfort:

    If your calluses are causing discomfort, Compeed® Callus Platers are a great option. They provide relief by reducing pressure on the affected area and helping prevent the callus from getting worse.

How to prevent blisters and calluses

To keep blisters and calluses at bay, the trick is to minimise friction and pressure on your skin. Start by checking that your shoes fit well—look for ones that don’t pinch, rub, or feel too loose. Poorly fitting shoes are often the biggest culprit when it comes to causing these issues.

Regular moisturising also makes a big difference. Keeping your skin soft helps lower the chance of calluses forming and can prevent the irritation that sometimes leads to blisters. And if you’re prone to blisters, an anti-blister stick can be a lifesaver! Just swipe it on areas that usually get sore—it’ll cut down on chafing and blistering.

Taking breaks during repetitive activities, like running or heavy-duty activities, helps your skin recover and ultimately helps prevent calluses from developing.

For extra protection and quick relief, try Compeed® Callus and Blister Plasters. They offer cushioning and help speed up the healing process so you can keep moving comfortably.

 
Share

Enjoying this article?

Rate this article if you find this helpful.

Related Products

Discover all products

Related articles

Discover more tips and advice