This will help prevent the spread of germs, which could cause an infection in the blister area.
Do not use alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the exposed skin. [4] X Research source
If the blister has torn, or if there is dirt under the skin flap, you may need to trim it away to prevent infection and keep it from ripping further and damaging healthy skin. First, wash the area thoroughly. Then, disinfect a pair of small scissors (nail or first aid scissors work best for this) using rubbing alcohol. (You can also sterilize scissors by placing them in boiling water for 20 minutes, or holding them over an open flame until the metal turns red, and then letting them cool. )[7] X Research source Carefully clip away the dead skin. Don’t clip too close to the healthy skin. It is better to leave a bit of excess than risk further injury to your skin. [8] X Research source
Common over-the-counter antibacterial ointments and creams include Neosporin and “triple antibiotic ointment,” both of which contain neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin. [10] X Research source
Be sure to only use non-stick bandages and gauze pads on an open blister. Regular gauze will stick to raw skin! Hydrocolloid bandages may help accelerate healing. [12] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source They will adhere to skin, but not to the blister.
There are numerous brands of special blister cushion bandages that are padded to protect delicate skin. You can also use moleskin on blisters. Moleskin is a soft, felt-like substance that often has an adhesive backing. Cut two pieces of moleskin slightly larger than your blister. Cut a circle roughly the size of your blister in one of the pieces. Apply this piece over the blister, positioning it so that the “window” is directly over the blister. Apply the second piece of moleskin on top of the first. [14] X Research source Resist the urge to use a liquid bandage like New-Skin. These are more suited to cuts or lacerations, and could cause further irritation or infection if used on a blister. [15] X Research source When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or call your doctor for a specific recommendation.
Continue to bandage the blister until the skin has healed completely.
Be sure to clean the area, reapply antibiotic cream and bandage it again afterwards. If the skin around the bandage becomes red, bumpy, or itchy, you may have an allergy to the adhesive in the bandage (or the bandage itself). Try a different brand, or try nonstick sterile gauze pads and medical tape. You can apply hydrocortisone 1% ointment to the irritated skin around the blister to help with itching, but don’t apply it to the blister itself.
Increased pain around the blister. Swelling, redness, or warmth near the blister. Red streaks on your skin heading away from the blister; this is a sign of blood poisoning. Pus draining from the blister. A fever.
Are infected (see the previous step for signs of infection) Are causing a lot of pain Keep returning Occur in unusual places, such as the inside of the mouth or on the eyelids Are the result of burns, including sunburn or scalding Are the result of an allergic reaction (for example, to an insect bite)
You can also attach moleskin or special blister prevention tape to the inside of your shoes’ heels, where rubbing often occurs. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
You can also help protect your feet by wearing tights or hose if thick socks are not an option for your outfit.
Try dusting the insides of your shoes and socks with a talc-free baby or foot powder. Avoid talcum powder, since some studies, show it may be a carcinogen. Some powders also have odor-killing agents in them. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source You can also try a foot spray to help reduce sweating.
You should also wear gloves while doing activities such as weight-lifting, which can also cause blisters on the hands.
Blistering is a sign of second-degree sunburn. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source It can take 10-21 days to heal. [27] X Research source
