Blisters are lumps on the surface of the skin, caused by friction or burns. The most common are those on the feet and hands. While most blisters heal on their own without treatment, larger, more painful blisters need some help to heal. Fortunately, there are some methods to treat them at home and to prevent others from forming.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Blisters
Step 1. If it's not painful, don't break it
Most blisters heal on their own without needing to be drained. This is because the layer of skin that covers the blister forms a protective barrier that prevents infections. After a couple of days, the body reabsorbs the fluid (called serum) and the bladder disappears. This is the best way to treat a blister that doesn't cause pain.
- If the blister is on your hand or elsewhere that is not susceptible to further friction, leave it uncovered so that the air helps healing. If it is on one foot, you should protect it with gauze or a specific plaster.
- If it breaks on its own, let the serum out and then clean the area thoroughly. Cover it with a sterile dry bandage until it heals. This technique prevents infections.
Step 2. Drain the bladder if it causes pain
Although doctors recommend not doing this, in some cases it is necessary to relieve pain and excessive pressure. For example, competitive runners must puncture large blisters on their feet if they are planning a competition. If you need to drain it, it is very important to follow the correct procedure to avoid infections.
Step 3. Wash the area with soap and water
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have clean skin around the blister. Any soap is fine, even if antibacterial ones are better. Doing so removes residue of sweat and dirt.
Step 4. Sterilize a needle
Take a clean one and do the following: Rub it in an alcohol-soaked cloth, or put it in boiling water, or hold it over a high flame until it glows.
Step 5. Pierce the bladder
Use the sterile needle to punch more holes on the edge of the bubble. With a gauze press gently to allow a complete drainage of the serum. Do not remove the skin because, by sagging, it protects the wound.
Step 6. Apply antibacterial ointment
As soon as you have completely drained the blister, gently pat some antibacterial cream or ointment. You can find several without a prescription: neosporin, polymyxin B or bacitracin. The cream protects the area by preventing bacteria from entering the wound, as well as preventing the gauze from sticking to the skin.
Step 7. Cover the wound with gauze loosely
This protects it from dirt and bacteria, as well as the fact that you can walk and run without too much discomfort if the blister is on your foot. Change the gauze / patch every day, especially if it gets dirty and wet.
Step 8. Cut the dead skin and reapply the gauze
Proceed with this operation after 2-3 days and use sterilized scissors. Do not try to remove the skin that is still firmly attached. Clean the area again, apply the ointment and put the gauze on. The blister will heal completely in 3-7 days.
Step 9. See a doctor if you see any signs of infection
In some cases it can develop despite your best efforts to avoid it. In this case the doctor prescribes you a stronger topical antibiotic or systemic therapy. Signs of infection include redness, including around the bladder, pus, red streaks, and fever.
Part 2 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply tea tree oil
It is an essential oil with antibacterial properties. It is also an astringent, which means it helps dry out the bladder. Apply it with a cotton swab once a day before changing the bandage.
Step 2. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
It is a traditional remedy for minor skin problems, including blisters. It is used to prevent infections. It may burn quite a bit, but you can dilute it with an equal amount of water before applying it with a cotton swab.
Step 3. Try aloe vera
Its sap helps to soothe and heal the skin. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizer, widely used for sunburn blisters. To use it, remove a leaf from the plant and rub the inside (the gel) around the bladder. This method is very useful, especially when the blisters have burst, as it speeds up the healing process.
Step 4. Use green tea
This product has anti-inflammatory properties, so wet the affected area by soaking it in a tub or bowl with cold green tea.
Step 5. Try Vitamin E
This vitamin heals the bladder quickly and prevents scarring. You can find it in both oil and cream form. Simply apply a thin layer over the bubble.
Step 6. Make chamomile wraps
This way you take advantage of its soothing properties and you will find some pain relief. Make a cup of strong chamomile tea, letting the tea bags steep for 5-6 minutes. Let it cool down a bit and then dip a clean cloth in it. Squeeze out the excess fluid and then place the cloth over your blister for 10 minutes or until the pain subsides.
Step 7. Take an Epsom salt bath
These salts help dry closed blisters and drain. Put some in hot water and let the blister area soak. Be careful though, if the blister has burst, the Epsom salts will burn a little.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Blisters
Step 1. Choose shoes that fit perfectly
Many blisters form due to friction between the skin and unsuitable shoes. A shoe that rubs the skin separates the first layer from the one below, creating the bulge that will become a blister. To avoid this phenomenon, invest in good quality, breathable shoes that are the right size.
If you are a runner, go to a specialist shop where there are professionals who can help you choose the best footwear
Step 2. Wear the right socks
They are very important because they limit sweat (which favors blisters) and friction. Choose the cotton ones that are more breathable; but wool blends are also good, as they absorb sweat well.
For runners there are special socks that act as a bit of shock absorbers in the areas most susceptible to blisters
Step 3. Use products that reduce friction
They are available without a prescription and should be applied before walking or running to avoid chafing and moisture. There are some foot powders that can be put on the socks before putting them on (to keep them dry) or creams that allow the socks and shoes to glide on the skin without rubbing.
Step 4. Put on your gloves
Hand blisters often form as a result of manual work, such as when using a shovel or gardening. You can prevent this from happening by using work gloves.
Step 5. Put on sunscreen
Sunburn can also create blisters. The best way to prevent them is to use a high SPF and wear light, long-sleeved clothing. If you get burned, you can protect yourself from blistering with plenty of moisturizer, after-sun, and calamine lotions.
Step 6. Be careful when handling chemicals or very hot products
Blisters can occur if you burn yourself with boiling water, steam, or dry but very hot products, as well as chemicals. So take special precautions when you have to work in the kitchen or use, for example, bleach.
Advice
- Don't give in to the temptation to pull the skin off the blister or scratch it; you would only increase the irritation.
- Be careful and only touch blisters with sterilized tools, otherwise you could infect them with germs and bacteria.
- If there are bubbles, you can use a fungus cream to dry the area.
Warnings
- If a liquid leaks that is not clear, see a doctor right away. Serious infections can start from just a small blister.
- Do not scratch, peel or rub the blisters; you could cause an infection.
- Do not puncture / squeeze blood-filled blisters. Go to the doctor.
- Don't put vitamin E on the open wound. This vitamin stimulates collagen production and helps limit scarring, but slows the healing process of blisters.
- Blisters caused by burns become infected more easily.
