Blisters occur when the top layer of skin (epidermis) separates from the lower layers of the skin. This is often the result of friction or heat, although some skin conditions or other medical conditions can also be the cause. The space between these layers of skin is filled with a fluid called serum, making the blisters resemble balloons. Blisters heal most quickly if they don't burst or leak because an unbroken layer of skin can prevent bacterial contamination and infection. Unfortunately, sometimes the blisters can burst. Blisters that break, leak, or tear can be messy and painful enough to require treatment. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to do first aid and then monitor for the blisters to heal properly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Caring for Broken Blisters
Step 1. Wash your hands well
Use a mild soap and warm water to clean your hands before touching the blister area. Wash your hands for 15-20 seconds.
This will help prevent the spread of infection-causing germs in the area of the blister
Step 2. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water
Do not rub the blisters, as this will tear the skin further.
Do not use alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide, as these will irritate exposed skin
Step 3. Let the blisters dry
Air the blister, if possible, or gently pat it dry with a towel. Do not rub blisters with a towel as this will tear the skin.
Step 4. Leave the loose skin on
The loose skin over the blister will eventually come off on its own, but you should still protect the red skin underneath while it heals. If possible, leave this peel and trim it over the reddened skin.
- If your blister is tearing, or if there is debris under the skin that comes off, cut it off to prevent infection and not damage the healthy skin.
- First of all, wash the blister area thoroughly. Then, sterilize the scissors (nail clippers or first aid scissors will work as well) with rubbing alcohol. You can also sterilize the scissors by soaking them in boiling water for 20 minutes, or setting them on fire until the metal turns red and then cools.
- Be careful when exfoliating dead skin. Do not exfoliate too close to healthy skin. It's best to leave a little so that the skin does not get injured.
Step 5. Apply an antibacterial ointment or cream on this area
This will prevent infection, which is the greatest risk of the blisters bursting.
Commonly used commercial antibacterial ointments and creams are Neosporin and “triple antibiotic ointment,” both of which contain neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin
Step 6. Cover the blister with a clean bandage
For small blisters, a regular bandage is effective, but for large blisters, it's best to use non-stick gauze with the first aid tape.
- Make sure you use a non-sticky bandage and gauze for open blisters. Ordinary gauze will stick to the blisters!
- Hydrocolloid bandages can help speed up the healing of the blisters. This bandage will stick to the skin, but not the blister.
Step 7. Use a special tape for blisters that are red and very painful
If the skin over the blister has come off, or if the blister is on the leg or other sensitive area, it's best to apply a special bandage for the blister.
- There are many brands of blister-specific plasters designed to protect sensitive skin.
- You can also use moleskin on the blisters. Moleskin is a soft, animal hair-like material and often has adhesive on one side. Make two moleskin pieces slightly larger than your blister. Make a circle about the size of a blister on one of the pieces. Glue the cut over your blister, positioning it so that the “window” is just above the blister. Glue the second piece of moleskin on top of the first piece.
- Resist the temptation to use a liquid plaster like New-Skin. These plasters are more suitable for cuts or scrapes, and will cause irritation or infection if applied to the blisters.
- If in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a recommendation.
Part 2 of 3: Continuing Treatment of Broken Blisters
Step 1. Change your blister bandage frequently
You should change the bandage every day, or when the bandage gets wet or dirty. Each time you change the bandage, gently wash and dry the blister area, then apply an antibiotic ointment to the blister area.
Continue to bandage the blister until the skin heals completely
Step 2. Control the itching that occurs as the blister heals
The blisters are often itchy as they begin to heal, especially if they are allowed to dry. However, the blisters should not be scratched so as not to aggravate the skin damage. Keep the blister area cool and wet to relieve itching. Wet a clean cloth with ice water and apply it to the blister area. Or simply soak your blisters in cold water.
- Make sure you clean the area, reapply the antibiotic cream and then cover it with a bandage.
- If the skin around the bandage becomes red, lumpy, or cracked, you may be allergic to the adhesive in the bandage (or the bandage itself). Try changing brands of bandages, or sterile gauze, or medical tape. You can apply 1% hydrocortisone ointment to the irritated skin around the blister to stop itching, but don't apply it to the wound.
Step 3. Remove the loose skin if the wound is no longer painful
If the skin under the blister has healed somewhat and is no longer sensitive to touch, you can peel off the loose skin around the blister using sanitized scissors.
Step 4. Watch for signs of infection
Open blisters can become infected easily, so monitor your blisters closely as they heal. If you notice any signs of infection, or if the blisters don't heal within a few days, see your doctor immediately. These symptoms include:
- Increased pain around the blisters.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth near the blister.
- Red streaks on the skin away from the blisters. This indicates blood poisoning.
- Pus comes out of the blisters.
- Fever.
Step 5. Seek medical attention to treat the blisters
Many blisters heal naturally over time. However, in some cases you are advised to visit a doctor as soon as possible. See a doctor right away if your blisters:
- Infected (see symptoms of infection in the previous step)
- Causes severe pain.
- Happened repeatedly.
- Occurs in unusual places, such as in the mouth or eyelids.
- Is the result of burns, including the result of sunbathing or hot water.
- Is the result of an allergic reaction. (for example, from insect bites)
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Blisters
Step 1. Wear shoes that fit well
Friction is often the cause of blisters, especially on the feet. Wear shoes that fit properly to reduce the risk of blisters on your feet.
You can place a scald-preventing bandage inside the heel of your shoe (because friction often occurs there)
Step 2. Wear thick socks to protect your feet from blisters
Moisture-absorbing socks are a good choice, as blisters often appear on damp skin.
You also protect your feet by wearing light socks, if thick socks don't match your outfit
Step 3. Keep skin dry
Blisters generally occur on moist skin. You can look for friction-preventing gel to apply to areas that are prone to blisters. This product can help keep skin dry and prevent chafing.
- Try removing dust from shoes and socks with talcum-free baby powder or foot powder. Avoid talcum powder, because according to research it can cause cancer. Some powders also contain deodorizing agents.
- You can also try a foot spray to reduce sweating.
Step 4. Put on gloves
Wearing gloves, especially during heavy physical work, such as in manufacturing, gardening or construction work, will help you prevent blisters from forming on your hands.
It's also a good idea to wear gloves when you're doing weight lifting so you don't scald your hands
Step 5. Protect yourself from the sun
The scorching sun can also cause blisters. Protect yourself by wearing skin-protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
