Blisters form when the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) peels off from those underneath. Often they are caused by rubbing or heat, but they can also be caused by skin diseases or by the use of particular drugs. The space between the layers of skin fills with a fluid called serum, which creates a bubble-like bubble filled with liquid. The healing process is best done when they are not bursting or draining, because the outer skin layer acts as a barrier against bacteria and prevents an infection from developing. Unfortunately, sometimes blisters rupture even without your intervention and can create discomfort and pain and therefore require more care to prevent them from becoming infected. However, there are some simple steps you can take as soon as you notice your blister to prevent it from getting worse, after which you will need to monitor it to make sure it heals properly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating a Torn Bladder
Step 1. Wash your hands well
Before touching the blister area you should wash your hands using warm water and a mild soap. Continue rubbing them for about 15-20 seconds.
Washing them helps prevent the spread of germs, which could cause an infection
Step 2. Also clean the area around the bladder
Again, use water and a mild soap. I recommend not to rub the part in order not to risk further damage to the skin.
Do not use alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide as they may irritate living skin
Step 3. Let the blister dry
If possible, allow it to air dry or otherwise pat it very gently with a towel. Absolutely do not rub it as you could tear the skin.
Step 4. Leave excess skin intact
If the blister were to rupture, the skin that formed the blister may seem superfluous. In fact, however, this is not the case, since it will still be able to protect the underlying living skin during healing and will detach itself at the end of the process. If possible, you should leave it intact and simply try to spread it out so that it covers the bare part.
- If, on the other hand, the blister is torn badly or if you notice that there are impurities under the skin that formed the blister, it is best to cut off the excess parts to prevent the healthy ones from tearing or becoming infected.
- First wash the part well, then disinfect a pair of scissors (those for the nails or those contained in the first aid kits are ideal for this purpose) with disinfectant alcohol. Alternatively, you can sterilize the scissors by boiling them in water for 20 minutes or by holding them over an open flame until the metal turns red and then allowing them to cool.
- Cut off the dead skin with extreme care. Don't get too close to healthy skin. It is better to leave a small piece of unnecessary leather than to risk damaging the one in good condition.
Step 5. Apply an antibacterial ointment or cream
It helps prevent infection from developing, which is the greatest risk when a blister ruptures.
Popular antibacterial creams and ointments include: Neosporin, Gentalyn and triple antibiotic formulas, which contain bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin
Step 6. Apply a clean bandage to the bladder
If it is small, you can use a common plaster, while if it is large it is better to use a piece of gauze and hold it in place with first aid tape.
- Make sure that living skin does not come into contact with the sticky parts of the patch or first aid tape!
- Hydrocolloid patches can promote faster healing. They adhere to the skin, but not to the bladder.
Step 7. Use a special bandage if you have live skin or a particularly painful blister
If the skin that formed the blister should come off completely or if the part where it is located is particularly sensitive or subject to rubbing, you should use specific protection.
- There are several products that act as a kind of padding to reduce friction and protect delicate skin from contact with materials and irritants. Ask for advice at the pharmacy.
- There are also patches specially formulated to act as a "second skin" and protect the bladder from water, dirt and bacteria. They are equipped with a kind of cushion, absorb any liquids to prevent the formation of scabs and give relief from pain. You can find them in the shape you need or to be cut to size according to the affected area.
- Resist the urge to use a liquid or spray patch. They are more prone to tear and can further irritate or infect the skin in the case of a blister.
- If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, specifying your specific needs.
Part 2 of 3: Healing a Torn Bladder Over Time
Step 1. Change your bandage frequently
You should replace it daily or whenever it gets dirty or wet. First, wash and dry the area thoroughly, then reapply the antibacterial ointment.
Continue to protect the blister until the skin has healed completely
Step 2. Manage the itching caused by the bladder during the healing period
It is not uncommon for the blister to itch as it heals, especially if it has a chance to dry out naturally, but it is important to avoid scratching it to avoid further damage to the skin. Try to keep the area cool and moist to keep the discomfort under control. Dip a clean washcloth in ice water and place it on the healing blister. Alternatively, you can immerse the part directly in cold water.
- When finished, remember to clean the skin, reapply the antibacterial cream and create a new bandage.
- If the skin around the patch or bandage becomes red, swollen, or itchy, you may be allergic to the sticky substance or gauze itself. Try using a different product or a non-adhesive sterile gauze to be held in place with first aid tape. You can use 0.1% hydrocortisone ointment on the inflamed skin around the blister to reduce itching, but be careful not to apply it directly to the blister.
Step 3. Remove excess skin when the area is no longer inflamed
After the blister has had time to heal and the skin is no longer irritated or sensitive, you can safely remove the excess flaps using a sterilized pair of scissors.
Step 4. Look for signs of infection
When they rupture, the blisters can become infected easily, so you should keep them in check as they heal. If you notice that an infection may be ongoing or if the situation does not improve within a few days, see your doctor. Symptoms of an infection include:
- Increased pain in the area around the bladder
- Red, swollen, or unusually warm skin around the blister
- Red streaks radiating from the bladder, possible signs of blood poisoning
- Pus leaking from the bladder
- Fever.
Step 5. Contact your doctor
Blisters usually heal on their own, just be patient. However, in some cases it is necessary to go to the doctor immediately. You will need medical attention if the bladder.
- Is infected (review the typical symptoms of an infection described in the previous step);
- It causes a lot of pain;
- It reforms;
- It has formed in an unusual place, for example inside the mouth or on the eyelid;
- It is the result of a sunburn (including sunburn);
- It is the result of an allergic reaction (for example after being stung by an insect).
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Blisters
Step 1. Wear shoes that fit you perfectly
Friction is a very common cause when it comes to blisters, especially those on the feet. Choosing the right size footwear reduces the chances of a blister forming on the toes or heel, for example.
If you have purchased new shoes or intend to use a pair that you know are causing significant friction against the skin, prevent this by using patches or special hypoallergenic tape. Nowadays there are also anti-friction stick products; ask for advice at the pharmacy to find out more
Step 2. Wear thick socks to protect your feet
Those in breathable fabric are particularly suitable since, when the skin is moist, the chances of developing a blister are increased.
If your outfit doesn't allow you to wear regular socks, wearing tights is always better than wearing shoes with bare feet
Step 3. Keep your skin dry
As we mentioned earlier, when the skin is moist the chances of a blister developing are increased. The recently invented stick, cream or gel products serve both to reduce friction and to keep the skin dry. They should be applied where blisters are most likely to form.
- Try sprinkling a powder on the inside of your shoes and socks. You can use a powdered deodorant for the feet or a powder-free baby powder. Avoid common baby powder as studies have found it may be carcinogenic.
- There are also spray products that can be applied to the feet to reduce sweating.
Step 4. Put on your gloves
You should use them whenever you do manual work, such as when you are gardening, repairing or building something. This will prevent blisters from forming on your hands.
You should also wear gloves when engaging in other activities, such as weight lifting
Step 5. Protect yourself from the sun
Sunburn can also cause blisters. Stay out of the sun or wear long clothes, a hat, sunglasses and apply a sunscreen.
