I’ve got a blister on my foot that’s become infected. Can I still swim in my local pool? Do I have to wear a plastic sock like when I had a verruca as a kid?
Gary Lane, by email

It’s best to try to keep an infected blister clean and dry, and going swimming will obviously make this difficult. But if you feel compelled to go swimming – if you’re training for an upcoming triathlon, say, or it’s the only exercise you really enjoy – then wear a waterproof plaster and be careful when drying around the blister area.

Other swimmers are at minimal risk from you having an infected blister but if you’re really worried you could ask the swimming pool what their rules are regarding infected blisters. If you don’t mind them knowing about it, that is.

If you would like more information about Dr Rob Hicks please visit www.drrobhicks.co.uk.