Blisters are small bubbles or pockets of fluid that form on the top layer of the skin. those from burns typically develop with second-degree burns. If you have blisters that have formed from a burn, you can learn how to treat them properly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Run cold water over your bladder
This is the first thing to do in case of a burn blister. You can take a bath of cold or lukewarm water or place a cold, wet cloth on the area, holding it in place for 10-15 minutes.
Make sure you use fresh water, but not too cold or ice cold
Step 2. Apply honey
You can apply a thin layer of it on the burn; honey has antibiotic and antiseptic properties and has been shown to be effective in promoting the healing of sunburn. Gently spread a thin layer of it on the affected area.
Local wild honey is a good choice; however, the optimal alternative is the medicinal one, such as that of Manuka
Step 3. Cover the bladder with a bandage
This type of blister caused by burns should always be protected by a sterile bandage if possible. Don't squeeze it too tight though, to leave enough space above the bladder for it to develop. you can create a kind of "curtain" with gauze or bandage. This protection prevents the blister from breaking, becoming irritated or infected.
If you can't apply a bandage or gauze, use a clean cloth or towel instead
Step 4. Avoid using the classic home remedies for burns
Many people are convinced that they can use any type of product for home use to soothe these injuries; for example, they think they need to apply butter, egg white, spray oil, or ice. However, you shouldn't put any of these substances on your bladder, as they can cause infection or damage the tissues.
Opt for some burn cream or ointment, honey, or avoid any topical remedies altogether
Step 5. Don't pop the bubble
You don't have to break the blister that forms over a burn, at least in the first three or four days; to try to leave it intact, cover it. When you want to take off the cover without breaking it, you need to soak the bandage in hot water.
- Change the dressing daily, applying antibiotic ointment or honey each time.
- If the blister is causing too much pain or begins to become infected, you need to find a way to break it with extreme caution. Always wash your hands first and then clean the surrounding area with alcohol or iodine to kill bacteria on the skin. Make a hole at the base of the bladder, near the bottom, using a needle previously sterilized with alcohol and let the liquid drain; use a cotton ball to absorb pus or discharge. Be careful to leave the outer skin layer intact as much as possible.
Method 2 of 3: Medications
Step 1. Take pain relievers
They are useful for managing burn blister pain. Even if you have run cool water over the lesion and covered it, you may still experience pain or a throbbing sensation; over-the-counter pain relievers can relieve this discomfort. You can start taking them as soon as a blister forms or wait until it starts to hurt.
You can take ibuprofen (Brufen), naproxen sodium (Momendol) or paracetamol (Tachipirina); be sure to follow the instructions on the leaflet regarding the dosage
Step 2. Apply burn cream
An antibiotic cream or moisturizing lotion can help soothe the discomfort caused by the bladder and avoid the risk of infections. Apply a thin layer with caution; if you have decided to cover the burn with gauze or bandage, you should not use a water-based cream.
Some of the most suitable ointments in these cases are Cicatrene or Foille, but you can also use other products, such as petroleum jelly; you can try an aloe vera lotion or its gel
Step 3. Go to the doctor
If the bladder begins to become infected, it is strongly recommended to have an examination. Skin infections can be deep and severe; if the blister fills with liquids other than clear ones, it is likely to be infected.
- If you have a fever, you notice streaks on the skin surrounding the burn or the blister is very red and swollen, go to the doctor immediately, as these are all signs of an infection.
- In the case of burn blisters on the elderly or young children, it is always necessary to go to the doctor, to minimize the risk of infection or scarring.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing the Burns
Step 1. Identify the causes of burn blisters
They can occur all over the body and are formed mainly in the case of second-degree burns, namely:
- Touching hot objects;
- In case of fire;
- Contact with steam or hot liquids, such as cooking oil;
- Electric burns;
- Chemical burns.
Step 2. Determine if you have a first degree burn
Blisters form when the skin burns. Burns are classified according to their severity; those of the first degree affect the outermost layer of the skin and appear red and swollen.
- They are painful, but are considered minor; usually, they do not blister, but the skin may flake.
- They are dry and typically heal in three to five days.
Step 3. Recognize a second degree burn
This is the next level of severity; however, it is still considered a minor burn, as long as it is no more than 7-8 cm in diameter. It generally affects the superficial layer of the skin and those immediately below it; this is the situation in which blisters develop more frequently.
- It is a painful lesion with red or pink blisters that also appear swollen or have pockets filled with clear fluid.
- In severe cases, this type of burn can be dry and lead to a reduction in sensitivity in the area; by applying pressure, the skin does not turn white or becomes white very slowly.
- It usually heals within two to three weeks.
- Blisters larger than 7-8 cm should be immediately brought to the attention of the family doctor or emergency room staff. If the second-degree burn has affected your hands, feet, face, groin, a major joint, or buttocks, you should see your doctor or hospital right away. Older people and children should always be examined when they suffer this kind of burn, because they are more prone to possible complications.
Step 4. Seek medical attention for third degree burns
This is the most serious type, because in this case all skin layers are destroyed and you must go to the emergency room immediately. It affects the deeper layers of the skin, which can turn white or black.
- The burned area may take on a white or black appearance, appear like leather, and become dry.
- These burns are often painless at first because the nerves in the skin are damaged.
Step 5. Count the number of blisters
If you have only one or a small number of them, this is usually not a serious problem. Unless a single blister is due to a second or third degree burn, it can be treated at home; however, if there are a lot of them and spread all over the body, you need to go to the doctor immediately.
