Blisters are common and often affect the hands and feet. Wearing new shoes or performing repetitive motions without proper skin protection causes the top layers of your skin to separate from deeper layers, forming a bubble. Fluid from surrounding tissues then fills this bubble. While the fluid inside the blister is sterile and may help cushion your wound to protect it from further damage, it also increases your pain and may make using the affected area of your body more difficult. Treatment of blisters focuses on easing symptoms and preventing infection so that they can heal as quickly as possible.
Step 1
Apply an adhesive bandage or a sterile gauze pad to the affected area at the first sign of blister development. Generally, redness and discomfort will develop before the blister appears, according to the Sports Injury Clinic website. Covering the area will prevent additional irritation until you are able to treat the blister.
Step 2
Clean the affected area with soap and warm water. Then dab the blister and the surrounding skin with iodine, alcohol or another disinfectant.
Step 3
Sterilize a needle by pouring isopropyl rubbing alcohol over it. Next, puncture the edge of the blister to ease pain and trigger healing. If the blister is small and causing no pain, it is best to leave it intact unless otherwise directed by your doctor, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Allow any fluid inside the blister to drain out, and then slide the loose skin over the wound. The skin will help protect the site from infection.
Step 5
Apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the area. This will help prevent infection and will prevent bandages or other coverings from sticking to your raw skin.
Step 6
Cover the blister with sterile gauze to protect it until healing is complete. Change the covering once each day or when it becomes soiled or wet.
Tips and Warnings
- If you notice loose skin hanging from your blister after a few days of treatment, you can safely cut it away with sterile scissors, according to MayoClinic.com.
- If your blister is filled with blood or is covering a burn, consult a medical professional before attempting to poke a hole in it. Pus or increased pain or redness may indicate an infection in your blister. Consult your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Adhesive bandage
- Sterile gauze
- Soap
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Needle
- Antibiotic ointment
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