How to Treat Large Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin's surface due to friction or burns. These blisters typically occur on the hands and feet. While most blisters heal naturally without home treatment, large and painful blisters may require attention. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat large blisters at home and prevent future blisters from forming. The following article will guide you on how to care for blisters at home, use natural remedies, and prevent blisters.

Leave the blister undisturbed if it isn’t painful. Most blisters heal naturally without needing to drain the fluid. The unbroken skin over the blister creates a protective layer, guarding it against infection. After a few days, the body absorbs the fluid (called serum) and the blister disappears. This is the best approach if the blister isn’t painful, as it carries a lower risk of infection.

• If the blister is on your hand or in an area with minimal friction, allow it to air dry for faster healing. For blisters on your feet, consider using a bandage or moleskin patch to protect the blister while still allowing it to breathe.
• If the blister breaks on its own, let the fluid drain, then clean the area and cover it with a sterile dry bandage until the blister heals. This method helps prevent infection.

Drain the fluid if the blister is painful. Although doctors generally recommend avoiding popping blisters, there are instances when draining the fluid becomes necessary, especially if the blister is causing significant pain or discomfort. For example, a runner might need to drain a large blister on their foot before a race. If you choose to drain the blister, it's crucial to follow the correct procedure to prevent infection.

Clean the blister with soap and water. First, you should clean the skin around the blister using warm water and soap. Any soap will work, but an antibacterial soap is ideal. This step helps remove sweat or dirt from the blister area before you proceed with draining the fluid.

Disinfect the needle. Prepare a clean, sharp needle and sterilize it using one of the following methods: wipe it with isopropyl alcohol; boil it in hot water; or heat the needle over a flame until it turns orange.

Pop the blister. Using the sterilized needle, carefully puncture the blister around its edges. Gently press a clean gauze or tissue against the blister to allow the fluid to drain. Avoid removing the skin that remains attached to the blister, as it helps protect the wound.

Apply an antibacterial ointment. After draining the fluid, it’s advisable to apply a small amount of antibacterial cream or ointment to the blister. Over-the-counter options such as Neosporin, Polymyxin B, or Bacitracin are helpful. The ointment will kill bacteria around the blister, prevent infection, and keep the bandage from sticking to the skin.

Apply a bandage or dressing to cover the blister. After applying the ointment, place a gel-based bandage or gauze on the drained blister. These products help protect the open blister from dirt and bacteria, while also providing comfort, especially if the blister is on your foot. Be sure to replace the bandage daily, particularly if it becomes wet or dirty.

Trim off dead skin and re-bandage. After 2-3 days, you can remove the bandage and use sterilized scissors to cut away the loosened dead skin. However, do not peel off the skin if it's still attached. Clean the area again, apply the ointment, and cover it with a fresh dressing. The blister should heal completely within 3-7 days.

Seek medical attention if signs of infection occur. In some cases, infection can develop even when you’ve tried to prevent it. If this happens, see a doctor immediately. They may prescribe a stronger antibiotic (oral or topical) to treat the infection. Symptoms of infection include redness and swelling around the blister, pus buildup, red streaks on the skin, and fever.

Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties. It also acts as an astringent to help dry out the blister. You can dip a cotton swab in the oil and apply it to the punctured or drained blister once a day, then cover it with a clean bandage.

Use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a traditional home remedy used to treat various minor issues, including blisters. It has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections. Since apple cider vinegar can cause a stinging sensation, it should be diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio before applying it to the blister with a cotton swab.

Try aloe vera. Aloe vera gel has soothing and healing properties. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizer, making it ideal for treating blisters caused by burns. You can use aloe vera by breaking off a leaf and applying the transparent gel to and around the blister. Aloe vera is particularly helpful once the blister has been drained, as it accelerates the healing process.

Soak the blister in green tea. Green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties, so you can soak your blister in a bowl or basin of cool green tea to soothe the swollen and inflamed skin around it.

Use vitamin E. Vitamin E helps the skin heal more quickly and prevents scarring. Vitamin E is available in both oil and cream forms at pharmacies. Simply apply a small amount of vitamin E to the blister every day to encourage faster healing.

Make a chamomile compress. Chamomile has soothing properties that can reduce pain caused by swollen blisters. You can brew a strong cup of chamomile tea for about 5-6 minutes. Once the tea cools, dip a clean cloth into it, wring out the excess, and apply the cloth to the blister for about 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.

Soak the blister in Epsom salt. Epsom salt helps dry out intact blisters and encourages fluid drainage. Simply dissolve some salt in warm water and soak the blister in it. Be cautious, as if the blister bursts, Epsom salt can cause intense stinging.

Choose properly fitting shoes. Many blisters form due to friction caused by ill-fitting shoes. When shoes rub or slide against your feet, they cause the outer skin to separate from the inner layers, creating a small pouch that eventually turns into a blister. To prevent blisters, invest in high-quality, well-fitting shoes that allow your feet to breathe.

• If you're a runner, consider purchasing shoes at a specialized store where experts can help ensure you get the right fit.

Wear the right socks. Socks play an important role in preventing blisters as they help reduce moisture (which contributes to blister formation) and friction. Opt for nylon socks instead of cotton ones to keep your feet cooler and drier. Wool-blend socks are also a great choice as they absorb moisture from the feet.

• Runners might want to invest in specialized socks designed to cushion areas prone to blisters.

Use friction-reducing products. These over-the-counter products can be applied to your feet before walking or running to reduce friction and moisture buildup. You can sprinkle foot powder in your socks to keep your feet dry, or apply a cream that allows your socks and shoes to glide smoothly over your skin, minimizing friction.

Wear gloves. Blisters often appear on the hands of people who perform manual labor, such as using tools, shovels, or gardening. You can prevent blisters on your hands by wearing protective gloves while engaging in these tasks.

Apply sunscreen. Blisters can easily form on sunburned skin. The best prevention method is to avoid sunburn in the first place by applying sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing long, light clothing. If you get sunburned, you can prevent blisters by applying moisturizing lotion, after-sun lotion, or calamine lotion.

Be cautious with temperature and chemicals. Blisters can develop after exposure to hot water burns, steam, dry heat, or chemicals. Therefore, you should be careful when handling hot items like kettles or stoves, or when using chemicals such as bleach.

• Avoid scratching, peeling the skin, or rubbing the blisters to prevent infection.
• Seek immediate medical attention if the blister leaks a cloudy, non-clear fluid. Severe infection may start with small blisters.
• Do not apply vitamin E until the blisters have healed. Although it helps with scar healing, it can slow down the skin's recovery process due to its collagen-stimulating effects.
• Blisters caused by burns are more prone to infection.
• Never puncture or squeeze blisters containing blood. Instead, consult a doctor immediately.
• If you want to drain the fluid from a blister, make sure to create the smallest hole possible, disinfect your hands, tools, and the blister using alcohol or a blue flame, and apply antibiotic ointment. Even small infections can be very dangerous.
• Be cautious when trying unverified treatments. Home remedies may lack scientific backing and could even cause infection. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using any unfamiliar treatments or products.
• Avoid “suturing” through healed blisters. The exposed thread can collect dust and bacteria, and inserting it into a healed blister can introduce millions of bacteria, leading to infection.