Blisters can form due to repetitive activity or friction, such as running while wearing unsuitable footwear. They could also develop as a result of burns or scalds. To cure them, you need to protect the surrounding area and try some natural remedies. Sometimes it is necessary to drain them, when they are large or very painful. With careful first aid, you can successfully cure most blisters.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Protect the Bladder Area
Step 1. Don't touch it
If the blister hasn't burst, try to leave it intact. It's best to avoid exposing it to bacteria by waiting for it to heal naturally, without trying to pop it.
Step 2. Soak the affected area in warm water
One of the treatments is to simply soak the bladder. Use a clean basin or sink and fill them with enough warm water to cover the area (e.g. your foot or hand). Keep it submerged for 15 minutes. Hot water softens the skin on the surface of the bladder, facilitating the spontaneous release of its contents.
Step 3. Protect the affected area with a skin protection patch
If your blister is in a place that is under pressure, such as on the sole of your foot, you may want to cover it and cushion the impact with this patch. The skin protector is a special type of patch made of soft cotton with the adhesive back side and is able to give you some pain relief, as well as protect your bladder.
Cut a small piece of skin protector, slightly larger than the blister. Cut out the center, to form a kind of donut that surrounds the bubble and finally attach it to the skin
Step 4. Let your bladder breathe
In most cases, especially for smaller blisters, exposure to air helps the healing process. Make sure that yours is exposed to the air too. If it is on one foot, take precautions so it does not get dirty.
You may have to wait until bedtime before leaving your bladder exposed. Let her breathe all night while you sleep
Method 2 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Apply aloe vera gel
This plant has many healthful properties and helps reduce pain and inflammation. Put some gel on the blister to speed up the healing process and then cover it with a plaster or bandage.
Use the gel by extracting it directly from the plant or buy it at a health food store
Step 2. Soak the bladder in apple cider vinegar
This vinegar has antibacterial properties and can stimulate faster healing. Create a solution by mixing 120ml of apple cider vinegar with three teaspoons of castor oil. Apply this mixture to the blister several times a day, covering it with a bandage.
Step 3. Try tea tree oil
This element also has antibacterial properties and is an astringent. Wet a cotton ball or piece of gauze with this oil and gently apply it to the blister. Then cover the latter with gauze and tape.
Step 4. Apply a green tea bag to the bladder
Green tea has antibacterial properties and contains tannic acid which helps thicken the skin. As the skin begins to harden on the healing blister, a callus forms, and later it is rare for more blisters to form on the area.
Soak the green tea bag in water for a few minutes; then squeeze it gently to get rid of excess water. Place the sachet on the affected area for several minutes
Method 3 of 4: Drain the Bladder
Step 1. Consider whether to drain it
If your blister is large, painful, or irritating, you may want to empty the fluid. Generally speaking, it is always best to leave it alone, but sometimes reducing the pressure can relieve pain and irritation.
Don't open your bladder if you have diabetes, HIV, cancer, or any other disease that makes you susceptible to infections
Step 2. Wash your hands
Use plenty of soap and warm water to avoid introducing additional bacteria or dirt into the bladder during the procedure.
Step 3. Disinfect a needle or pin with denatured alcohol
You need a sharp object to gently prick the blister. Make sure it is clean by wiping it with a piece of gauze soaked in alcohol.
Step 4. Pierce the bladder near the edge
Choose a spot that is close to the edge and carefully press the needle or pin into the bladder. When you see liquid starting to leak, remove the needle.
You can sting more than one spot, especially if the blister is large. By doing this, you reduce the pressure that builds up inside
Step 5. Clean and bandage the area
Remove excess liquid with a clean piece of gauze. When you see no more fluid coming out, gently clean your blister with soap and water. Then cover it with gauze and duct tape.
- You can apply an antibiotic ointment for the first day or two. If your blister starts to itch or you notice a rash, stop using the drug.
- If you see a flap of skin on the blister, don't cut it, but flatten it over it.
- Clean and cover the affected area every day. If you notice the area getting wet, change the bandage.
- Allow the affected area to breathe during the night by removing the bandage. Replace it the next morning if the blister hasn't healed yet. This way you protect it from dirt.
Step 6. Do not drain your bladder if you have severe health problems
People with certain conditions, such as diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing blister infections. If you have diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart problems, you shouldn't empty the fluid from your blisters. Instead, contact your doctor for treatment recommendations.
Step 7. Check for signs of infection
It is possible for the bladder to become infected; if you notice any worrying signs, make a doctor's appointment immediately. Among these you may find:
- Increased swelling or pain in the bladder area
- Increased redness of the bladder;
- The skin on and around the blister becomes hot;
- The presence of red streaks extending from the bladder outwards;
- Some yellowish or greenish pus comes out of the bladder;
- Fever.
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Blisters
Step 1. Choose your socks carefully
Many people suffer from blisters because the socks rub against their feet, developing friction. Runners are particularly prone to this ailment. Avoid wearing cotton socks, as they absorb moisture and can make it easier for blisters to form. Instead, choose specific or breathable nylon ones, as they do not absorb moisture. These allow the feet to breathe better and protect them.
Step 2. Buy appropriate footwear
Many blisters form due to shoes not fitting perfectly, especially when they are too small. You may find that your foot size can change up to half a size in one day. Try on your shoes when your feet are a little swollen during the day to make sure they are big enough to wear comfortably.
Step 3. Use the skin protector
This is a thick, soft cotton fabric that typically has a sticker on the back side. Cut a small piece of it and secure it in the shoe where a blister begins to form.
Step 4. Put the talc in the shoes
This can reduce the friction of the feet inside the footwear, making it easier to absorb moisture that could otherwise cause blisters.
Sprinkle some talcum powder inside the shoes before putting them on
Step 5. Avoid contact with blistering plants
Some plants, such as sumac and poison ivy, can cause rashes like blisters. If you have to handle this type of vegetation, take precautions, such as wearing gloves, wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and wearing shoes.
