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Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin due to friction. They can develop on your feet from wearing tight shoes or on your hands after activities like gardening. Proper at-home care is essential to promote faster healing and prevent infection. However, medical attention may be necessary for large blisters or signs of infection.
Steps
Treating Small Blisters at Home
Wash the blistered area with soap and water. When a blister forms, regardless of size, keeping it clean is crucial. This helps prevent infection in case the blister accidentally ruptures.
Keep the blister exposed to air. Small, unbroken blisters typically heal on their own within a few days. There’s no need to pop or cover them; simply allow the blister to breathe as much as possible.
- If the blister is on your foot, wear sandals or slippers at home to give it time to heal.
- If the blister is on your hand, avoid wearing gloves or bandages unless you’re engaging in activities that might cause it to burst or become infected.
Protect unbroken blisters. When leaving the house or participating in activities, shield the blister to prevent it from bursting. Use a loose bandage or a donut-shaped moleskin pad with a hole in the center to protect the area.
- Donut-shaped moleskin pads are available at most pharmacies. They create a protective barrier while allowing the blister to breathe.
Treating Large Blisters at Home
Gently clean the blistered area. Wash the blister and surrounding skin with warm, soapy water. Ensure your hands are clean, as blisters are prone to infection.
- Be gentle while cleaning the blister. Try to keep it intact until you can properly drain it.
Drain the fluid if the blister bursts. Use your fingers to press on the blister. You’ll see fluid begin to escape through the opening. Continue pressing until all the fluid is drained, then wipe the area clean with a cotton ball.
- Properly draining the blister in a hygienic manner can promote faster healing and reduce swelling and discomfort.
- If the blister doesn’t burst on its own, consult a doctor for professional treatment.
Do not peel off the skin flap over the blister. Once the blister has drained, it will leave behind a skin flap. This flap protects the underlying skin from infection, and you should avoid peeling or cutting it off.
Apply ointment to the blister after draining the fluid. Use a cotton swab to apply polymyxin B or bacitracin antibiotic ointment to the wound. This step will prevent infection and keep the bandage from sticking to the skin.
- Some people are allergic to antibiotic ointments. If you have an allergy, you can use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as an alternative.
Bandage broken blisters. You need to protect the blister to prevent infection. Use a bandage or gauze to lightly cover the wound. Ensure the adhesive does not touch the blister.
- Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.
- If the blister is on your foot, wear socks and choose comfortable shoes. Avoid further irritation by not wearing the shoes that caused the blister in the first place.
- If the blister is on your hand, wear gloves during daily chores like washing dishes or cooking. Avoid repeating the activity that caused the blisters.
Seek medical care
Consider seeing a doctor for large blisters. Large, painful blisters in hard-to-reach areas may require medical attention. Doctors have sterile tools to drain the fluid, ensuring proper hygiene and disinfection before you leave the clinic.
Visit a doctor if the blister becomes infected. An infected blister can lead to more serious complications, so it’s best to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. They may clean and dress the wound, then prescribe antibiotics. Signs of infection include:
- Redness, itching, and swelling around the blister.
- Yellow pus under the skin flap of a drained blister.
- Warmth in the surrounding area when touched.
- Red streaks spreading from the wound.
Seek emergency medical care if severe symptoms arise. In rare cases, an infected blister can escalate into a systemic infection. Immediate medical attention is required if you experience:
- High fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Preventing blisters
Wear gloves during manual tasks. Blisters often form due to repetitive friction. Wearing gloves before starting work can reduce friction and prevent blisters.
- For example, prolonged use of a shovel causes repeated rubbing in the same area. Gloves act as a cushion, protecting your hands and preventing blisters.
Choose well-fitting footwear. New or ill-fitting shoes can cause blisters, especially on toes and heels. To avoid foot blisters, ensure your shoes fit properly. Break in new shoes by wearing them for short periods. This allows the shoes to stretch without prolonged friction that could cause blisters.
Protect areas of skin that will experience constant friction. If you anticipate that your shoes will cause blisters on your feet or if you are about to engage in an activity that may cause skin irritation, it's essential to take proactive measures. Insert padding into areas prone to friction to prevent blisters from forming.
- For instance, you can apply tape to a spot on your hand that gets rubbed during a craft project or repetitive motions.
- If your feet are prone to blisters, consider wearing two pairs of socks to add extra cushioning.
- Pharmacies sell specialized pads designed to cushion areas of the feet that frequently rub against shoes. These pads, known as "moleskin," are typically adhered to the skin for stability.
Reduce friction between skin surfaces. Use lotion, talcum powder, or petroleum jelly to minimize friction between skin surfaces. For example, if your thighs constantly rub against each other, applying Vaseline to the affected area can reduce friction and heat, which are common causes of blisters.
- For instance, long-distance cyclists often experience skin chafing, leading to blister formation. Lubricating products applied between chafing areas can alleviate discomfort and prevent blisters.
