The Best Way to Care for Blisters

by Reggie Moore Professional writer and proto entrepreneur

Nobody likes to get blisters, especially after a long day of physical activity. Unfortunately, everybody's bound to experience blisters multiple times in their lifetime. The very best way to treat blisters is to prevent them from happening in the first place. The second-best way is to apply first aid and follow the recommendations of medical experts.

How to Care for Blisters

Taking active steps to prevent blisters from forming is the very first line of defense against this uncomfortable and inconvenient skin condition. To do that, it's vital to understand what blisters are and how they form on people's bodies.

What is a Blister

Also known as "vesicles," blisters are simply sections of raised skin filled with fluid. They form when layers of skin separate and form a fluid-filled cushion as a result of excessive friction, burns, freezing, or infection. When this occurs, the body defensively produces blisters to protect underlying flesh from additional trauma.

While most people are used to the idea of getting blisters on their feet, they can develop anywhere on the body where there is skin. In general, blisters fall under one of three categories:

Friction blister-caused by repetitive chafing or irritation
Heat blister-forms immediately or days after a burn, depending on severity
Blood blister-forms when broken blood vessels fill the blister with blood rather than fluid

Blisters can become painful, irritated, itchy, or infected, and not much can be done until they completely heal. Therefore, it's in everybody's best interest to prevent them by planning ahead.

Preventing Blisters

The most common type of blister is the friction blister. Moisture can increase chafing and friction, so choose clothes and socks that are loose-fitting and made from moisture-wicking materials. Shoes should fit well without being too tight, and socks should be worn for extra cushioning and protection. People who get blisters often might even want to preemptively apply bandages to the areas that are prone to forming blisters, such as the balls of the feet, ankles, palms, or fingers.

Sun protection, such as sunblock, hats, and shade, can do wonders for preventing heat blisters. Practice common sense and vigilance around extreme heat sources, like campfires and stovetops. Blood blisters, which usually form when something pinches the skin, can be staved off with protective clothing and gloves.

Treating Blisters

Blisters usually heal on their own in one to two weeks. Until then, doctors recommend keeping the blister clean and dry. Always cover them with a clean dressing, which will protect the raw skin as it heals. It's usually best to avoid draining the fluid from the blister unless it's causing significant discomfort.

How to Drain a Blister Safely

Wash hands
Swab blister with iodine or hydrogen peroxide
Sterilize a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol
Carefully pierce the edge of the blister (avoid piercing the top)
Drain fluid, leave overlying skin undisturbed
Apply ointment and clean dressing, monitor for signs of infection

When to See a Doctor

While most blisters go away on their own without medical intervention, there's always a risk of infection anytime an opening form in the skin. Swelling, extreme pain, and pus are all signs of an infected blister, which should be looked at by a doctor as soon as possible. Blisters that show no signs of improvement or take significantly longer to heal may indicate an underlying medical condition, which should also be evaluated by a doctor.

There’s an easy guide to blisters. Make sure to do what you can to spare your feet the problems by buying the right shoes, like these women’s sneakers in Australia.