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Key Points
- Blisters are small fluid-filled pockets that form in the skin due to various causes such as friction, burns, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions.
- If a blister isn't too painful, it's recommended to leave it intact to avoid infection. However, large or extremely painful blisters may need to be drained using a sterilized needle.
- If a blister pops on its own, it's important to clean the area, smooth the skin flap down, and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Home remedies for treating blisters include aloe vera, vaseline, lemon balm, and coconut oil.
- Prevention methods for blisters include wearing well-fitted shoes and moisture-wicking socks, using protective bandages, and applying foot powder inside socks. Gloves can prevent blisters on hands.
A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms in the upper layers of the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They explain that blisters can be caused by a variety of factors—including friction, burns, freezing, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions. When the skin is damaged or irritated, the body produces fluid to protect the affected area, resulting in the formation of a blister.
Since blisters are a wound, there are certain first-aid steps you should take to help prevent infection. Additionally, there are several things you can do to help reduce pain and promote healing.
How to Know if you have a Blister
A blister is typically recognized as a small, raised area on the skin that is filled with clear fluid, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It may appear as a bubble or bump and can be painful or tender to the touch.
Blisters can vary in size and may be surrounded by red, inflamed skin. In some cases, the skin over the blister may be broken, exposing the underlying tissue.
First aid for Blisters
If a blister isn't too painful, it is best to keep intact, according to the Mayo Clinic. They note that the unbroken skin over a blister is believed to provide a natural barrier to bacteria and decrease the risk of infection. You should cover the blister gently with a bandage and use gauze for additional padding if your blister is in a spot that rubs against clothing or another part of your body.
How & When to Drain a Blister
If a blister is large or very painful, Medical News Today notes that it may be necessary to drain the fluid from inside the blister. To do this, the Mayo Clinic lists the following steps:
- Wash your hands and the blister with soap and warm water
- Clean a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol
- Use a cotton swab to clean the blister with iodine
- Use the needle to prick the blister in several spots near the edge
- Let the fluid drain, but leave the overlying skin in place
- Apply an ointment such as petroleum jelly to the blister and cover it with a gauze bandage
- Check the area every day for infection, applying more ointment and a new bandage every day
- After several days, use tweezers and scissors sterilized with rubbing alcohol to cut away the dead skin
What to do if Your Blister Pops on its Own
According to WebMD, there are some cases when your blister may pop on its own. If this happens, they recommend the following steps:
- Wash the area with warm water and gentle soap (avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine)
- Smooth down the skin flap that remains
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area
- Cover the area loosely with a bandage or gauze
Home Remedies for Treating Blisters
Blisters can be painful and frustrating to deal with—we found several home remedies that may help your blister heal faster.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has some healing properties that may make it a good aid in healing blisters, according to Medical News Today. They note that there are some studies that show some benefit to using aloe vera on friction blisters. They also note that given aloe vera’s low risk of side effects, it is worth trying for any type of blister.
2. Vaseline
Vaseline is a simple and inexpensive remedy that can provide a barrier of protection and soothe irritated skin in and around the blister, according to Medical News Today. To use Vaseline, they recommend that you apply a thin layer to the affected area and cover it with a bandage or gauze.
3. Lemon balm
Lemon balm contains compounds that have antiviral and antibacterial properties, according to Medical News Today. Making it a good option for treating blisters. To use lemon balm, they recommend diluting lemon balm oil with water and applying it to your blister using a cotton swab.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe and heal damaged skin, according to Medical News Today. To use coconut oil on a blister, Medical News Today recommends that you apply a small amount to the affected area.
When to see a Doctor for a Blister
Small blisters are a minor condition that will heal on its own within a few days, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, the Cleveland Clinic also notes that you should see a doctor if:
- You have blisters from a burn or frostbite
- Your blister does not improve after a few days
- Your blister appears infected (fills with white or yellowish fluid rather than the normal clear or bloody fluid, or is surrounded by red skin)
How to Prevent Getting a Blister
To prevent friction blisters on your feet, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that you wear shoes that fit well. You can also use a bandage or moleskin to protect your feet and ankles from areas where your shoes may rub. There are also various socks, shoes, and insoles that are designed specifically to help reduce blistering.
Keeping your feet dry is important to prevent blisters, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that you wear moisture-wicking socks and dust the inside of your socks with foot powder. Additionally, gloves can help prevent blisters on your hands.
Summary
Blisters are fairly common but can also be quite painful. The best way to care for a blister is to protect it from further irritation and from popping before its fully healed. Using vaseline and bandages or gauze are the best ways to accomplish this.
If a blister is particularly large or painful, you may have to drain it. It is important to clean the area of your blister, your hands, and any tools you may use (like a needle), to ensure that you do not introduce any bacteria that could lead to infection.
Things that can help your blister heal faster include:
- Aloe vera
- Vaseline
- Lemon balm
- Coconut oil
Frequently asked questions
What causes blisters to form?
Blisters form due to friction, burns, freezing, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions.How should I treat a blister that has popped on its own?
If a blister pops on its own, clean the area with warm water and gentle soap, smooth the skin flap down, and apply an antibiotic ointment.Are there any home remedies for treating blisters?
Yes, home remedies for treating blisters include using aloe vera, vaseline, lemon balm, and coconut oil.When should I see a doctor for a blister?
You should see a doctor if the blister is caused by a burn or frostbite, doesn't improve after a few days, or appears to be infected.How can I prevent blisters from forming?
To prevent blisters, wear well-fitting shoes and moisture-wicking socks, use a bandage or moleskin to protect your feet and ankles, and dust the inside of your socks with foot powder. Wearing gloves can help prevent blisters on your hands.Is it safe to pop a blister?
It's generally best to keep a blister intact to prevent infection. However, if a blister is large or very painful, it may be necessary to carefully drain the fluid using a sterilized needle.What should I do after draining a blister?
After draining a blister, cover the area with a bandage or gauze to protect it.Can I use any type of soap to clean a popped blister?
It's best to use warm water and a gentle soap to clean a popped blister to avoid further irritation.
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