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Understanding Blisters
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
Treatment
What Are the Treatments?
Most blisters caused by friction or minor burns do not require a doctor's care. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid is simply absorbed. Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. The fluid-filled blister keeps the underlying skin clean, which prevents infection and promotes healing.
If you have to pop it:
- Use a sterilized needle or razor blade (to sterilize it, put the point or edge in a flame until it is red hot, or rinse it in alcohol).
- Wash the area thoroughly, then make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid.
- Apply a dab of an antibiotic ointment with polymixin B and/or bacitracin to help protect against infection. Use caution with ointments that have neomycin in them because they are more likely to cause an allergic reaction.
- If the fluid is white or yellow, the blister may be infected and needs medical attention.
- Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath needs this protective cover.
- Look for signs of infection to develop. These include pus drainage, red or warm skin surrounding the blister, or red streaks leading away from the blister.
How can I Prevent Them?
- Wear work gloves. Jobs you do only occasionally, such as shoveling snow or raking leaves, are great for raising a blister or two.
- Break in new shoes gradually and put petroleum jelly or an adhesive bandage on areas that take the rub -- before the blister happens.
- Wear socks that have heels instead of tube socks (they bunch up and cause blisters).
Polyester or acrylic fiber socks are good low-friction choices. Because they don't breathe as well as natural fibers, however, you should wash and dry your feet after wearing them to prevent athlete's foot.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
