Blisters form on the hands and feet in response to pressure or friction. What happens is the surface layer of skin, known as the epidermis, separates from the underlying layer of skin, known as the dermis, explains podiatric sports doctor and foot surgeon Stephen M. Pribut, D.P.M. The resulting bubble fills with a clear fluid. Blisters will clear on their own, and small ones causing no pain are best kept clean, covered and otherwise left alone. However, blisters that cause discomfort or interfere with activities can be treated to clear them faster.
Step 1
Wash your blister and the surrounding skin on your hand or foot thoroughly with warm water and a mild soap. Pat the skin dry.
Step 2
Dab the blister and surrounding area with a cotton ball or piece of gauze soaked in rubbing alcohol to sterilize the skin.
Step 3
Obtain a sterilized needle. Opt for one from an unopened package of sterilized needles, recommends Dr. Pribut. Use a needle cleaned with rubbing alcohol if necessary.
Step 4
Puncture the raised piece of skin in a few places around the edge of the blister. Be careful not to pierce the underlying skin.
Step 5
Let the clear fluid drain out through the holes. Press down gently on the blister with a piece of gauze to help clear the fluid.
Step 6
Leave the top piece of skin intact and attached, advises the Mayo Clinic, as it protects the delicate skin underneath from bacteria, dirt and irritants.
Step 7
Rub an antibiotic ointment or cream over the blister and surrounding skin with a piece of gauze to prevent infection.
Step 8
Cover the blister with a bandage or piece of clean gauze and tape it securely to protect the area from contaminants and further exposure to pressure and friction.
Step 9
Sterilize tweezers with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball or a piece of gauze. Use them to carefully remove the superficial dead skin two or three days after puncturing and draining the blister on your hand or foot.
Step 10
Monitor the blister for signs of infection. See your doctor if you notice pus, redness, swelling, increasing pain or a warm sensation in the skin, cautions the Mayo Clinic.
Tips and Warnings
- Prevent blisters by insulating your hands and feet from continuous pressure and friction. For your feet, Dr. Pribut recommends breaking in shoes and socks and making sure they fit well, avoiding cotton socks and using socks made from moisture-wicking materials during physical activity; letting shoes dry out completely and keeping your feet dry. Use tape or padding over sensitive areas on your feet, which can be kept dry with foot powder applications. Wear gloves or tape on your hands when doing yard work, riding a bicycle, or taking part in other activities that expose your hands to pressure or friction. The Sports Injury Clinic suggests covering blisters in petroleum jelly for temporary but effective relief from discomfort if a blister develops during an activity that you must continue, like returning to your car when on a hike.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Cotton ball or gauze
- Rubbing alcohol
- Needle
- Topical antibiotic
- Bandage
