How to Treat a Blister on the Finger of a Child

A blister is a pocket of fluid that forms because of pinching, a burn, rubbing or another medical condition. Children frequently get blisters on their hands because of the many things they touch. A small pinch can be enough to cause a blister, or a minor burn from touching a hot plate or toaster oven. The best way to treat a blister on the finger of a child is to avoid popping it unless it is causing the child pain and to take measures to keep the blister clean and covered until it goes away on its own.

Tips and Warnings

• If the child's blister is under the nail or in a place that is rubbing or causing pain, pop the blister carefully with a sterile needle and apply a prepared plantain poultice, prepared echinacea tincture, essential oil of lavender or tea tree oil to the drained blister. You can find any of these ointments or oils in a well-stocked natural foods store. Cover the blister with an adhesive bandage.
• If the blister resulted from a serious burn, such as if your child touched hot oil, or if the burns are extensive, seek medical attention because a second-degree burn can become infected and become a third degree burn, according to Lucy M. Osborn, author of "Pediatrics." Seek medical attention if the blister develops red streaks or if it is accompanied by a fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The blister may be infected or may be caused by an illness that needs to be treated.

Things You'll Need

• Antibiotic cream
• Adhesive bandage
• Sterilized needle
• Prepared plantain poultice, optional
• Prepared echinacea tincture, optional
• Essential oil of lavender, optional
• Tea tree oil, optional

References

• "The Country Almanac of Home Remedies"; Brigitte Mars; 2011
• Medline Plus; Rash - Child Under 2 Years; January 2011