If you’ve ever had a cold sore or blister pop up right before a beach day, swim session, or holiday, you’ve probably wondered – can you swim with a cold sore or blister? It’s a common question, especially when you don’t want to miss out on the water.

Everyone’s skin reacts differently to friction. Dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin blisters more readily, while normal or combination skin develops hotspots under repeated pressure or moisture. Knowing your skin type helps you stay protected and one step ahead.

You’ve been planning for weeks – a wedding, a big presentation, a date, or a holiday, and then it happens. You wake up and feel that familiar tingle. A cold sore right before your big day always seems to have the worst timing.

Got a blister but don’t want to hit pause on your workout? That’s okay. Blisters don’t have to hold you back. From running to lifting weights, there are lots of ways to keep moving while your blister heals.

At the start of the new year, parkrun will be launching ‘Bring a Friend to parkrun Day’ - a campaign aimed at making parkrun more welcoming to new members than ever before. 

Got blisters from standing or working long shifts? You’re not alone. From nurses and warehouse workers to baristas and builders, our active lifestyles put pressure on our feet, turning painful blisters into pure discomfort

Whether you’re cooking Christmas dinner, mingling at the office party or traipsing up and down the high street looking for last-minute gifts, the festive season has plenty of ways of keeping you on your toes - while taking a toll on your feet..

Regular running is a great way to stay fit and healthy in body and mind, but the regularity and repetition involved does mean it can sometimes risk becoming a grind rather than a pleasure. And once running starts to feel like a chore, it becomes all the easier to fall behind - or even give up on - your routine.

parkrun isn’t just about getting moving, it’s about being part of a movement: a global community that collectively celebrates Saturday mornings as a time for wellbeing, inclusivity and mutual support. 

The benefits of running for physical fitness and mental health are well known and well documented - but did you know that going for regular runs can also provide a boost to your immune system.