Blisters can occur due to friction or repetitive activities, such as running while wearing shoes that don't fit. Blisters can also be caused by sunburn or other burns. You can heal the blisters by protecting the affected area and using some natural ingredients. You may also need to drain the fluid inside if the blister is painful or too large. By doing first aid carefully, you can definitely heal the blisters.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Protecting the Blistered Area
Step 1. Leave the blister as it is if it hasn't burst and is less painful
It's best to avoid exposure to bacteria by allowing the blisters to heal on their own without bursting. If you continue to have fluid in the blister, read the medical warnings and instructions below.
Step 2. Soak the area with the blister in warm water
One easy way is to soak the affected area of the blister. Fill a clean container or sink with warm water so that the blister area (such as your hands or feet) can be submerged. Soak the blisters for 15 minutes. The skin at the top of the blister will soften after being soaked in warm water, and this may allow the fluid to drain out on its own.
Step 3. Apply the moleskin on the blister affected area
If the blister is in a location that is under pressure (such as the bottom of your foot), you may need to coat it with moleskin. Moleskin is a soft cotton cloth that usually comes with an adhesive. This can reduce discomfort and protect the blisters.
- Cut the moleskin to a size slightly larger than the blister. Remove the center so that it forms a donut-like shape that sticks around the blister. Apply this moleskin to the blister.
- You can also use other adhesive products, such as Blist-O-Ban or Elastikon.
Step 4. Expose the blister to air
For most blisters (especially small ones), exposure to air can speed healing. So, leave the blisters exposed to air. If the blisters are on the feet, be careful not to get the blisters on the dirt.
You may have to wait until bedtime for the blisters to open. Leave the affected area exposed to air all night while you sleep
Method 2 of 4: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Use aloe vera gel
The substances present in aloe vera have healing properties, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. Use aloe vera gel on the blisters to speed healing. Apply this gel on the blister, then cover it with a bandage.
You can take the gel directly from the plant, or buy aloe vera gel at a drug store
Step 2. Use apple cider vinegar to soak the blisters
Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and can speed up the healing of blisters. Make a paste by mixing half a cup of apple cider vinegar and 3 teaspoons of castor oil. Apply this mixture on the blisters several times a day. Cover the blister with a bandage.
Step 3. Try using tea tree oil
This oil has antibacterial properties and can act as an astringent. Dip a cotton swab or gauze in tea tree oil, then apply it on the blisters gently. Apply gauze to the blister and secure it with a band-aid.
Step 4. Stick the green tea bag on the blister
Green tea has antibacterial properties and contains tannic acid which can harden the skin. Calluses (calluses) will form when you harden the skin on the area where the blister is starting to heal so that the area is less prone to blisters.
Soak a green tea bag in water for a few minutes. Gently squeeze the tea bag to remove excess water. Place the tea bag on the affected area for a few minutes
Method 3 of 4: Draining the Blister
Step 1. Determine if the blister fluid should be drained
You should drain the fluid if the blister is large, very painful, or irritated. It's fine to leave the blister untreated, but you can reduce pain and irritation by removing pressure on the blister.
Don't drain the blisters if you have diabetes, cancer, HIV, and other conditions that can make you more susceptible to infection
Step 2. Wash your hands
Wash your hands with plenty of warm water and soap. Don't let any dirt or other bacteria stick to the blister when you drain the fluid.
Step 3. Use alcohol to sterilize needles or safety pins
You will need a sharp object to puncture the blister. Sterilize needles or pins by rubbing them with alcohol-soaked gauze.
Step 4. Puncture the edges of the blister
Select an area at the edge of the blister. Gently push the needle or pin into the blister. When the fluid starts to come out, pull the needle out of the blister.
You may have to stick the needle in several places, especially if the blister is large. This can help reduce the pressure that builds up inside the blister
Step 5. Clean the blister area and cover it with a bandage
Use clean gauze to wipe any fluid that comes out of the blister. When there is no discharge, carefully clean the blister with soap and water. After that, attach the gauze and secure it with plaster.
- You may need to apply an antibiotic cream to the blister for 1 or 2 days. Stop using the cream if the blisters itch or a rash appears.
- Don't cut the skin hanging off the blister. Let the skin stay on top of the blister.
- Clean the blister area and change the bandage daily. Change to a new bandage if the area gets wet.
- At night, remove the bandage and expose the blister to air. Change the bandage in the morning if the blister has not healed. This is useful for protecting the blisters from dirt.
Step 6. Avoid oozing blisters if you have a serious medical condition
People who suffer from certain health conditions (eg diabetes) have a high risk of getting an infection due to the blisters. Do not discharge blisters if you have diabetes, cancer, HIV, or heart disease. You have to go to the doctor to treat the blisters.
Step 7. Watch for signs of infection
There is a chance that the blisters may become infected. Go to the doctor immediately if there are signs of infection. Some signs of infection to watch for include:`
- Swelling or pain in the area of the blister increases.
- The color of the blisters is getting redder.
- The skin around the blister feels warm.
- Red streaks appear from the blisters outwards.
- Greenish or yellowish discharge of pus from the blisters.
- Fever.
Method 4 of 4: Preventing Blisters
Step 1. Choose socks carefully
Many people get blisters because their feet rub against socks. This problem is often experienced by runners. Avoid cotton socks as they absorb moisture and tend to cause blisters. Instead, use nylon or wicking socks (a type of synthetic fabric) because they don't absorb moisture. Both types of socks provide better air circulation and can protect the feet.
Step 2. Buy shoes that fit your feet
Many blisters occur because of shoes that don't fit (especially too small). Maybe you've felt that your shoe size is half a size different one day. Try on shoes when your feet are the largest during the day for comfortable shoes.
Step 3. Take precautions by wearing moleskin
This material can be used to cushion and protect the blisters. In addition, you can also use it as a preventive tool if you are prone to blisters. Cut enough moleskin and stick it on the shoe or the part of the foot that starts to blister.
Step 4. Sprinkle talcum powder inside the socks
This powder is useful for reducing friction on the feet. The talcum powder will also absorb moisture, which can cause blisters.
Sprinkle some talc on the socks before you put them on
Step 5. Avoid coming into contact with plants that can cause blisters
Certain plants (such as nettle and sumac) can cause rashes and blisters. If you want to handle the plant, wear gloves, long sleeves, long pants, and shoes as a precaution.
Warning
- Watch carefully for signs of infection. Go to the doctor immediately if the blisters get worse or continue to swell, or you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- If you have frequent blisters, have a medical check-up to see if you have bullous disease and/or a genetic disorder that can cause blisters.
