It is important to avoid popping, scratching, or touching these blisters as this can spread the virus to other areas of skin, causing further outbreaks. According to the AAD , a person can follow these steps to drain a blister properly:. Using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the needle does not always prevent infection.
People who are prone to getting infections may wish to ask a doctor to drain the blister for them in a more sterile environment. If a person suspects that a blister has become infected, they should speak to a doctor.
Prescription antibiotic tablets or a topical ointment or cream can help. Learn how to recognize and treat an infected blister here. People can usually treat mild friction or burn blisters at home by covering the blister with a loose bandage and raising the middle of the dressing slightly to allow the blister to move.
If the blister is in an area where things might rub on or break it, it is best to apply padding around the blister. A person can cut the padding into a circular shape with a hole in the middle, place this around the blister, and then cover it with a bandage. If a blister pops, a person can rub petroleum jelly around the area and cover the skin with a bandage until it heals.
The most important thing is to keep the area clean and dry. The person should change the dressing on burn or friction blisters frequently.
If they can avoid popping the blister, that will also speed up the healing by helping prevent infection. Blister pads, also called artificial blisters, can speed up healing by providing protective cushioning around the blister.
These are available at drugstores and online. Non-aspirin medications, such as acetaminophen Tylenol , can help ease the symptoms of chickenpox in children. Antiviral ointments that speed up the healing of cold sores are available in most drugstores. Anyone who thinks that they may have shingles should speak to a doctor. Antiviral medications can only reduce the length of the illness if the person takes them within 3 days of the rash appearing. It is also important to use a cold sore cream as soon as possible once the blisters appear.
Friction, heat, and certain health condition can cause blisters. These fluid filled sacs act as a barrier to germs and protect the wound while new skin forms underneath. If the barrier breaks for any reason — including a person popping it — bacteria can get in and cause an infection.
That is why, in most cases, it is best to avoid popping a blister. How you can treat a blister yourself To protect the blister and help prevent infection: Do cover blisters with a soft plaster or padded dressing wash your hands before touching a burst blister allow the fluid in a burst blister to drain before covering it with a plaster or dressing.
Find a pharmacy. Important Do not ignore an infected blister. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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You are here Home » Blister Care. Top of the page. Topic Overview Try home treatment for blisters: A small, unbroken blister about the size of a pea, even a blood blister, will usually heal on its own. Use a loose bandage to protect it. Avoid the activity that caused the blister. If a small blister is on a weight-bearing area like the bottom of the foot, protect it with a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad. Leave the area over the blister open. If a blister is large and painful, it may be best to drain it.
Here is a safe method: Wipe a needle or straight pin with rubbing alcohol. Gently puncture the edge of the blister. Press the fluid in the blister toward the hole so it can drain out.
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