How to Get Rid of Blisters, According to Doctors
BLISTERS MIGHT NOT seem like a big deal—until you get one and remember how debilitating they can be.
These painful skin lesions are caused by friction when your skin rubs against your shoes, says Purvisha Patel, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates. They may be caused by ill-fitting shoes, not wearing socks, or racking up mileage in new shoes before breaking them in.
Blisters commonly happen on your heels, toes, or other parts of your feet, but they can really happen anywhere that body parts rub together or where your skin rubs against clothing, shoes, or other objects, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Usually, blisters get better on their own. But there are a few things you can do to speed things up and minimize the pain. Here’s what you should know about treating and preventing blisters.
What causes blisters?
BLISTERS FORM UNDER the epidermis (the skin’s top layer) as a sac filled with clear liquid or blood, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
There are a few types of blisters:
• Friction blisters—the kind you get from wearing shoes that don’t fit well or repeatedly using a shovel or another tool—form when your skin rubs against something and clear fluid builds up in the skin layers.
• Blood blisters happen when your skin gets pinched. Blood vessels break, the lower layers of the skin get damaged, and blood pools, forming a blister.
• Heat blisters can form after a burn or sunburn, Dr. Patel says, and blisters can occur when you get frostbite in the extreme cold. You might also get blisters from allergic reactions or medical conditions, like shingles or chickenpox.
How to Get Rid of a Blister
FRICTION BLISTERS ARE the most common type, and they’ll usually heal on their own in a few days. But there are a few things that you can do to speed up the healing process:
Leave It Alone, If You Can
'MOST BLISTERS WILL pop on their own, so you should not pop them yourself,' Dr. Patel says. Popping the blister could increase your risk of an infection.
However, the AAD says if the blister is large and painful, you can drain it.
'The best way to approach a blister is to lance and drain it without unroofing it,' says family medicine physician Jesus Lizarzaburu, M.D. 'Maintaining the blister roof allows it to be a natural dressing.'
If you do drain it, the AAD recommends sterilising a small needle with rubbing alcohol and puncturing the edge of the blister to let the fluid flow out. Then, wash the spot with soapy water and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
Cover the Blister
USE A LARGE bandage to cover the blister and protect the skin from further injury, Dr. Lizarzaburu says.
'Once the blister pops, and if it is deroofed, the skin under can be very painful and tender while it heals since the nerves are exposed,' Dr. Patel adds. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly if the blister top is removed.
You can also use padding, such as cotton pads or gauze, on blisters in high-pressure areas, like on your feet, the AAD says. Place the padding over the blister and cover with a bandage. Be sure to change the bandage and padding at least once a day.
Use a Blister Pad
BLISTER PAD PRODUCTS like 2nd Skin and Compeed can offer a protective barrier while the blister heals. These hydrocolloid patches absorb moisture and create a moist environment that allows the wound to heal quickly. You can also use these pads on blister-prone areas to prevent them from forming.
Signs Your Blister Is Infected
It’s rare for blisters to get infected, Dr. Lizarzaburu says. But it can happen, so it’s important to recognize the signs.
Swelling, redness, pus or yellow drainage, increased pain, and warmth around the blister are signs it could be infected, Dr. Patel says. You may also get a fever.
You should see a doctor if you suspect the blister is infected.
How to Prevent Blisters
The best way to deal with a blister is to avoid getting one in the first place. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent a blister.
Make sure your shoes and clothing fit well and don’t rub your skin, Dr. Lizarzaburu says. 'Anything that’s causing friction will put you at risk of developing a blister.'
Break in new shoes before wearing them for a length of time and wear gloves when doing manual labor, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The AAD also suggests wearing moisture-wicking socks, applying a bandage or blister pad to blister-prone areas like your heels, and stopping your activity when you feel a blister forming.
You Might Also Like
