If a blister has formed, try to leave it intact and not squeeze it. If it is already open, it is important to keep it clean to prevent infections. There are several ways to treat blisters and make them less bothersome as they heal. This article explains how to wash and bandage open blisters, as well as how to use over-the-counter products and natural remedies to control the discomfort. It also offers guidance on when to see a doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating a Recently Burst Blister
Step 1. Wash the open bladder with warm soapy water
As soon as a blister bursts, tears or opens, it needs to be washed thoroughly with warm soapy water.
Any dirt left in the bladder should go away thanks to the action of the soap. If a foreign object remains stuck in your skin, go to your doctor to clean it thoroughly and treat it
Step 2. Whenever possible, try to leave the bladder membrane intact
It is not a problem if it tears partially or completely on its own, but do not try to detach it. Try to leave it intact as much as possible.
Do not touch the edges of the exposed skin
Step 3. Apply antibiotic ointment
You can use a simple ointment like petroleum jelly to keep your bladder hydrated and prevent it from bothering you. However, using an antibiotic ointment is effective in preventing infections. Apply enough to cover the entire bladder area.
If you prefer a natural alternative, use calendula cream
Step 4. Apply a clean patch to the affected area
Put a patch on your bladder. If it covers a large area, use sterile gauze, securing it with medical tape. Change it every day or if it gets dirty. Repeat the application of the ointment each time you change the patch or gauze.
You can also use a hydrocolloid patch, which can provide more relief than sterile gauze. It is a product available in pharmacies
Step 5. Once the blister has no living flesh left, cut the dead skin
Keep changing the patch or gauze every day until your blister stops hurting you. At that point it cuts the dry skin. Use a pair of scissors or a sterilized nail clipper. You can disinfect it by rubbing it with alcohol, boiling it for a few minutes, or keeping it on the stove for about 60 seconds.
Do not peel off the dead skin, otherwise you risk damaging the area further. Cut it carefully
Method 2 of 3: Combat Nuisance Safely
Step 1. See your doctor if you notice symptoms of an infection
If the area affected by the bladder is not kept clean, an infection could develop. See your doctor if you notice any typical warning signs of an infection, as antibiotics may need to be taken. Look for the following symptoms:
- Pus (thick yellowish, green, or whitish fluid in the bladder or surrounding area)
- Redness and swelling in the affected area
- Intensification of pain or a feeling of heat in the affected area.
Step 2. See your doctor if your blisters are severe or unusual
If you have recurring or painful blisters that interfere with the normal course of your daily life, see a doctor. It is good that they are checked even if they appear in unusual places such as an eyelid or oral cavity: they could be indicative of another disorder and require special treatment.
Step 3. Blisters caused by a burn or allergic reaction should be examined by a doctor
Blisters that occur as a result of a severe burn or that arise as a result of an allergy should be checked by a doctor. This way you will be able to undergo treatment and know what preventive measures to take to prevent them from forming again.
Step 4. Apply moleskin to the bladder
If you experience severe pain when pressure is applied to an open blister, you can apply a piece of moleskin to the blister after covering it with a band-aid or gauze. Use a piece large enough to cover your bladder well.
Do not apply moleskin directly to the open bladder. It is important to cover it with an ointment and a patch to keep it clean
Step 5. Use a second skin patch
This type of patch acts just like a second skin and can provide relief if you have an open blister. It is a product offered by various brands, easily available in pharmacies. Take a small patch and use it to cover the entire bladder. At this point you can cover it with a piece of moleskin (or medical or elastic tape) to feel greater comfort.
Step 6. Use natural soothing products
Apply 1 or 2 drops of tea tree oil to the open bladder four times a day, then cover it again with a clean band-aid or gauze. Asimine ointment and medium stellaria cream are other natural remedies that help fight bacteria. You can also apply comfrey balm twice a day to promote cell regeneration.
- If the product causes pain or swelling, discontinue use immediately.
- The blister should always be covered again with a band-aid or clean gauze.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Blisters from Forming or Opening
Step 1. Wear shoes that fit your size
Blisters tend to form on the feet. Often the cause is due to the use of the wrong shoes. Excessively large or excessively small footwear can put pressure and friction on the skin, causing blisters to form.
- Shoes should be purchased in the middle of the day: the feet are swollen, but not as swollen as they would be in the evening.
- Ask a salesperson to help you choose the right number.
Step 2. Keep your feet dry
Blisters often form due to moisture. If you keep your feet dry, you can prevent them. Wear breathable socks before exercising. Change your shoes and socks every time they get wet.
You can also sprinkle talcum powder inside the socks to absorb moisture
Step 3. Apply moleskin to the painful areas
If you know that an area of the skin tends to rub with something (a shoe, sports equipment, etc.), apply moleskin to it. The moleskin helps prevent friction, which is responsible for blisters. If you have a blister, it can also protect the area, so it won't burst or tear.
Step 4. Stop the activities that caused the bladder
If you already have one, stop doing the activity that caused it. For example, wear another pair of shoes. Avoid anything that could irritate your skin, otherwise you risk making the blisters worse or bursting. You will be able to resume the offending activities after complete recovery.
Step 5. Put on a pair of gloves
The hands also tend to get blistered. If you play a sport, do gardening, use certain tools or do repetitive actions with your hands, protect them with a pair of gloves. The gloves should fit snugly, but not forcing them.
