Just keep in mind that blisters usually heal on their own within a few days. Popping a blister disrupts this natural process, and it could mean that your blister will take a little longer to completely disappear. For added protection, you can apply moleskin to the blister. Learn how to apply it. But if you do need to pop a blister, follow these steps to minimize your risk of infection or other complications:. Popped blisters are more open to infections than blisters that are left to heal on their own.
If you do pop a blister, make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of an infection, such as:. Learn more about how to recognize an infected blister. If you notice any of these signs, see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent the infection from becoming more severe. Blisters are often tempting to pop, regardless of their size or location. But this usually just draws out the healing process and increases your risk of developing an infection.
But in some cases, popping a blister can prevent it from rupturing under less-than-sanitary conditions. If you decide to go this route, make sure to do it safely and keep a careful eye on the area for any signs of an infection.
Need to get rid of a blister fast? Preferably, have a medical expert drain it for you, but either way, make sure not to tear off the top of the blister! It serves as a biologic dressing over the wound and helps to keep it bacteria-free. You could, however, always try an unconventional approach like covering your blisters with cyanoacrylate, or super glue! At least one study has found it more effective at reducing pain from blisters in soldiers and praised its ability to stay on for many days at a time.
Enter your keywords. Sign-Up Here. You can pop blisters, but only if you have to. Symptoms of a blister Causes of blisters Self-help for blisters When to seek medical attention for a blister Treatment for blisters Prevention of blisters Where to get help. Symptoms of a blister Blister symptoms include: a reddened and tender patch of skin a raised lump filled with clear fluid or, sometimes, blood.
Causes of blisters Some common causes of blisters include: ill-fitting shoes friction for example, using a shovel all day without gloves can cause blisters on the palms of the hands scalds or burns severe sunburn allergic reaction to irritants viral skin infection such as herpes or warts fungal skin infection such as tinea on the soles of the feet or between the toes.
Self-help for blisters Blisters rarely need medical attention, unless they are severe, recurrent, caused by burns or are due to an underlying infection.
Other suggestions for treating a simple friction blister include: If the blister has burst, don't peel off the baggy skin pocket — let your body heal the area in its own way and in its own time. Apply antiseptic and a dressing or sticking plaster to the area to protect it and keep it free from dirt or irritants.
Don't use tape alone for the dressing, as removing the tape may rip the roof skin off the blister. Change the dressing daily and re-apply antiseptic. Avoid 'folk remedies' like applying butter or vinegar. These don't work. When to seek medical attention for a blister See your doctor or other health professional for treatment if: the blister is caused by a burn, scald or severe sunburn the blister starts weeping pus yellow or green, sometimes smelly, fluid the area becomes increasingly swollen or inflamed you suspect the blister is infected you develop multiple blisters without any preceding skin injury.
Treatment for blisters If your blister requires treatment by a health professional, this may include depending on the cause of the blister : sterile drainage of fluid from the blister professional dressing or padding techniques antibiotics, in the case of a bacterial infection antifungal preparations, in the case of a fungal infection antiviral preparations, in the case of a viral infection treatment for any underlying allergy.
Prevention of blisters Blister prevention strategies include: Wear properly fitted shoes. Choose moisture-wicking socks socks that draw sweat away from your feet or change socks twice daily if you have sweaty feet, as wet socks cause friction and rubbing. Wear 'sports socks' when exercising or playing sports. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you do not want to drain a blister because of the risk for infection. After you have opened a blister, or if it has torn open: Gently wash the area with clean water.
Do not use alcohol, iodine, or any other cleanser. Don't remove the flap of skin over a blister unless it's very dirty or torn or there is pus under it. Gently smooth the flap over the tender skin. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Change the bandage once a day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Remove it at night to let the area dry. Watch for a skin infection while your blister is healing.
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