Blisters occur when skin, clothing, or other materials rub against the skin and cause irritation. The blisters most commonly occur on the inside of the thighs, groin, armpits, lower abdomen and nipples. If left untreated, blisters can get worse and, though rare, can become infected. People who are at risk for blisters include athletes because they tend to wear clothing that rubs against their skin for a long time, as well as people who are overweight because the surface of their skin often rubs against each other. There are some simple natural remedies to deal with blisters and some of them are backed by scientific research while others appear without any verifiable facts. You can also prevent blisters from developing by making some significant lifestyle changes.
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Part 1 of 3: Using Tested Home Remedies
Step 1. Clean the scuffed area
Make sure the chafed area is clean by washing it with a mild, unscented soap and then rinsing it thoroughly. Consider using a vegetable oil-based soap. Good choices include Zaitun Body Shop (Mustika Ratu), Paquito and Citronella.
Step 2. Keep the skin dry
After bathing, make sure any parts of the body that are chafed or prone to blisters are completely dry. Gently pat the skin dry with a clean cotton towel, do not rub it as this can exacerbate irritation.
You can also use a hairdryer set on low heat to make sure the chafed area is completely dry. Do not use high heat as doing so can over dry the skin and cause more irritation
Step 3. Moisturize the chafed area
Use natural lubricants to keep skin moisturized. Natural lubricants such as almond oil, castor oil, lanolin, calendula or A&D ointment (note: A&D ointments contain fragrance, so if your skin is sensitive to perfume, choose another natural lubricant).
- Apply a natural lubricant to clean, dry skin at least twice a day. You may need to apply it more often if the blisters are on parts of your body that rub against clothing or other skin.
- After applying a natural lubricant, it may be helpful to take some clean gauze and gently apply it over the chafed skin. This will help protect the area from further friction with the skin or clothing and still allow the skin to breathe.
Step 4. Apply aloe vera on the blistered area
Aloe vera is widely known as a home remedy for burns, but it also provides natural comfort to chafed skin due to its many properties. Aloe vera contains nutrients that can repair damaged skin, reduce irritation and itching.
- Aloe vera slime can be applied to chafed skin and almost instantly relieves itching and redness. Plant aloe in pots around the house and you can take a small piece of aloe vera leaf and apply the mucus on the chafed skin whenever you want to get rid of the chafing problem easily.
- You can also buy pure aloe vera gel from a drug store or pharmacy. Make sure you buy 100% aloe vera gel.
Step 5. Use oats for a bath
Dry skin and blisters occur when the skin is constantly rubbing against other skin or clothing. Over time the friction causes the skin to peel and even bleed. Oats have various properties that can moisturize, cleanse, and function as an anti-inflammatory agent that also soothes and protects the skin. Using oats in a bath is a soothing and helpful way to treat chafed skin at home.
- You can use oats for bathing at home by pouring warm water into a bathtub and adding a cup or two of coarse oats. Let the oats soak for a few minutes before you jump into the tub. Soak in the tub for 20-25 minutes. Allow the oats to blend into the skin and soothe chafed skin. Do it once a day.
- Do not rub or scratch the skin. It's a good idea to pat the skin gently with the remaining oats and water to treat more severe areas.
- Use warm water to rinse the mixture of oats and water that sticks to the body. Take a towel and dry the skin by gently patting it.
Step 6. Apply olive oil evenly over the chafed skin
Olive oil is very good for treating chafed skin because it contains a strong moisturizing agent. Apply olive oil directly to the blisters, preferably after a shower.
- A simple paste made of olive oil and oats can also be an effective and natural anti-scald remedy for the skin. Mix the two ingredients, then apply the paste thickly and evenly on the chafed skin. Leave it for 20-30 minutes every day. The paste will help soothe the skin while restoring some of the essential moisture needed to heal chapped skin.
- Because it contains ingredients that can hold moisture for a long time, olive oil works as a good conditioner for the skin, even if it doesn't get chafed.
Step 7. Try vitamin E oil
When vitamin E oil is applied to chafed skin, it relieves the skin of itching and inflammation. You can also try lotions and creams that contain vitamin E, which can speed up healing of inflamed skin.
You can apply vitamin E oil or cream to your skin and apply a piece of gauze over it to lock in the moisture. This will make the oil or cream last longer. However, make sure you change the gauze every 6 hours or so to give your skin a chance to breathe
Step 8. Experiment with chamomile
Chamomile helps reduce inflammation and itching. Chamomile accelerates skin healing and prevents bacterial infections. You can use chamomile in lotion, oil, or pure floral form. Here are some options you can try:
- Take a pot of water, add some chamomile florets, and simmer for a few minutes. Let the water cool down and then add some ice cubes. Now soak the blistered body part in this cold water for 10-15 minutes.
- Chamomile can also be used as a lotion. You simply apply a lot of it on the blisters and let it seep into the skin.
- In addition, chamomile oil or tea can be added to cold water for the bath. Adding a few drops of oil or a few tea bags can turn your shower into a soothing and relaxing treatment method.
Step 9. Try echinacea in the form of a tincture, pill, or tea
This herbal treatment is used as an external medicine in the form of an ointment that is applied to the skin to treat inflammation and heal wounds. This herb has a mild antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal effect. Echinacea can also be taken as tinctures, pills or teas to prevent infection in blisters.
- Echinacea tea doesn't taste very good. For this reason, echinacea is more often taken in the form of a tincture or pill. However, the tea and tincture seem to be more effective than echincea powder that comes in capsules.
- In addition to being used as a stimulant to boost immunity, echinacea is recommended for people who have problems with recurring skin lesions, such as boils, and as a tonic to increase the liver's ability to reduce the effects of environmental toxins.
Step 10. Use thyme oil as a tea mixture
Thyme produces thymol, a powerful antiseptic oil that is classed as a natural antibiotic and antifungal. Thyme tea has the power to repel and get rid of bacteria and viruses, so it can be especially beneficial if your blisters are caused by one of these or if the blisters become irritated from scratching. Drop it into the tea to get rid of the infection on the chafed skin.
Thyme essential oil protects cuts and abrasions against infection. This ability is largely due to the presence of components such as Caryophyllene and Camphene in thyme. Both components inhibit the growth of bacteria inside and outside the body
Step 11. Try a cream containing arnica
Arnica is commonly used in creams and ointments that are applied topically to heal bruises, trauma and swelling. Often arnica is also used to help accelerate wound healing. Arnica is a good choice if you have blisters because it can quickly relieve swelling and discomfort.
Apply arnica cream or oil to the chafed skin as often as you want. Arnica is safe to use in large quantities, comfortable, and easy to apply and will absorb directly into the skin
Step 12. Try neem oil
The organic sulfur compounds in neem leaves can be very effective in curing skin problems. Neem oil has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and has been studied for burns in children. Here's how to use neem oil to treat blisters:
- Take a handful of neem leaves and mash until smooth.
- Add lemon juice taken from medium lemon.
- Stir the mixture until it is evenly distributed and forms a paste then apply it on the skin to soothe it.
Step 13. Try calendula, almond, yarrow or lavender oil
Add a drop or two of one of these oils to the four tablespoons of your natural lubricant. If you are using a natural lubricant in the form of a balm or ointment, mix a few drops of the essential oil directly into the balm or ointment. Use this herbal mixture throughout the day (about three to four times), while making sure the chafed skin is always treated. Be sure to try this mixture on unbroken skin first to make sure it doesn't react and you're not allergic to the herbs used. Some of these herbal mixtures may sting when applied the first time.
- Calendula oil is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. This oil may be able to heal skin irritation quickly.
- Almond oil helps moisturize the skin and prevent chafing. Massage the chafed skin with almond oil for a soothing effect. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and is an antioxidant. The omega-3 fatty acids in almonds are thought to make skin glow. Gently massage the oil into the chafed skin for a few minutes and let the oil soak in.
- Lavender oil also has a calming effect on the skin. This oil also helps reduce swelling and itching of chafed skin.
- Yarrow oil is produced from a plant called Achillea millefolium. The name comes from a legend that says that the ancient Greek warrior, Achilles, used yarrow to help heal his soldiers on the battlefield. Today, we know that yarrow contains anti-inflammatory properties and aids the healing process.
Part 2 of 3: Using Untested Home Remedies
Step 1. Make a turmeric paste for your skin
Ar-turmerone which is the main component in turmeric can help overcome skin problems. The presence of these components makes turmeric an antifungal, which can help treat blisters. Here's how to use it:
- Add 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder to a teaspoon of water and mix well to form a paste.
- Apply the paste on the problem skin and cover it with a cotton cloth.
- Leave it for half an hour before rinsing it off with water.
Step 2. Apply the garlic paste
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of garlic help cleanse the skin and heal it. Allicin, the main compound in garlic, helps keep the skin dry, thereby reducing swelling and areas of redness that appear as a result of blisters.
Take 10 cloves of garlic and grind it to form a fine paste. Dip a cotton ball in the paste and gently dab it on the blisters. To speed healing, do it three times a day
Step 3. Use lemon balm
This isn't a thick jelly-like concoction made from lemons - it's herbs. This herb can be applied as a cleanser on the skin that is blistered to relieve heat and stinging. To make a lemon balm wash, add a few leaves to boiling water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Wait for the water to cool before dabbing it with a clean cloth.
Step 4. Consider using tea tree, coconut, or sandalwood oil
In addition to the oils already mentioned, the three oils below can also work effectively.
- The content of terpinen-4-ol in tea tree oil is believed to have antiseptic properties that help destroy pathogenic microorganisms and treat bacterial infections on the skin. Take a piece of wet cotton cloth and add a few drops of oil. Gently press the cloth against the chafed skin. Do it twice a day until the blisters improve.
- Coconut oil may contain antibacterial and antifungal properties that help kill fungal infections, thereby helping with irritation and rashes. Apply coconut oil on troubled skin before going to bed. The oil will soothe the skin and help heal irritation. You can also apply it in the morning.
- Sandalwood may contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Santalol, the main ingredient in sandalwood oil, can help soothe the skin and heal inflammation, thereby reducing the urge to scratch. Apply the oil on the chafed skin two or three times a day to treat the problem.
Step 5. Try chickweed ointment
That said, chickweed will start the healing process as soon as it touches the skin. These soothing little herbs can be added to herbal ointments and are beneficial for healing chafed skin, chafing and other minor skin irritations.
Leave the ointment on the skin for up to 30 minutes. To enhance the healing effect, rinse the chafed skin with rose water to keep the skin moisturized and then dry carefully
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Blisters
Step 1. Wear loose clothing
Tight clothing can cause blisters. Should not wear clothes that are too close to the skin so uncomfortable. Give your skin breathing room by wearing clothes that are loose enough to avoid chafing and chafing. Do not sacrifice comfort for the sake of fashion. The blisters can limit your movement due to serious inflammation and swelling. This condition can make you have to choose clothes carefully.
Avoid belts, tight underwear, and clothes that cause you to sweat. All of these make the skin unable to breathe and can increase the chances of the blisters getting worse
Step 2. Choose the right fabric
Opt for cotton clothes if possible. Cool shirts and trousers may be tempting, but first consider whether they are skin-friendly. For women, the best option is cotton clothes. For men, loose cotton shorts and shirts. Cotton is a fabric that allows the skin to breathe. Regardless of whether the skin is chafed or not, try to wear clothes that allow the skin to breathe as much as possible.
- When exercising, some people prefer synthetic materials that absorb all the moisture. This synthetic material helps reduce sweating and dries faster than natural materials.
- In general, you should choose a material that feels good against your skin. Do not use materials such as wool or leather that are rough, itchy, or prevent sweat from evaporating.
Step 3. Keep the skin dry but not dehydrated
Healthy skin is not too dry and not too wet. Skin with too much moisture or too dry can cause blisters because both conditions can trigger itching which will invite further problems. Make sure your skin is damp but not too wet.
- If you find your skin tends to be dry, use a cream or lotion to moisturize it. If your skin is oily, use a mild cleanser to wash it off, dry gently, and leave the skin uncovered to prevent sweating.
- Sweat can make blisters worse because sweat contains enough minerals that can irritate the skin further. If you sweat, take off your clothes, take a shower and dry your skin thoroughly.
- Unscented baby powder can also be used to keep skin dry.
Step 4. Lose weight
If you are overweight, the chances of getting blisters on the skin are higher, especially on the thighs. Because being overweight can cause skin blisters, the best prevention is to exercise and monitor your diet. The best way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in. Talk to your doctor about good strategies for losing weight. There is no one magic program that fits everyone when it comes to weight loss programs. You need something you can stick to and enjoy so that you will continue to feel motivated and happy.
- Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain breads, pasta, and rice), and protein.
- Include exercise in your weight loss program, don't just cut calories. For healthy adults, you should be doing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week; time can be reduced if your activities are getting more intense. You should also incorporate strength training into your exercise program at least twice a week.
Step 5. Change your diet
Try to include more foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and beta-carotene in your diet. Vitamin A and beta-carotene contain antioxidants that help protect the body, especially the skin. Vitamin C boosts immunity and helps maintain skin integrity and health.
- Yellow and orange fruits and vegetables tend to be high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Spinach, animal fat, and egg yolks are also good sources of vitamin A.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and lemons are excellent sources of vitamin C.
- In addition, try to avoid fatty, processed and packaged foods. This step can help you lose regular weight and reduce skin folds that can cause chafing.
Warning
- In most cases, blisters can be treated easily at home. However, if the above-mentioned remedies don't relieve the blisters after four to five days or if the blisters get worse and you're worried about an infection, call your doctor and make an appointment.
- Maizena was once recommended as a method for treating blisters. However, cornstarch can provide food for bacteria and fungi and eventually cause skin infections.
