Blisters

Most blisters heal on their own. Home treatment may help decrease pain, prevent infection, and help heal large or broken 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 Reference doughnut-shaped moleskin pad Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. 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.
  • If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you do not want to drain a blister because of the risk of infection.
• After you have opened a blister, or if it has torn open:
  • Wash the area with soap and water. Do not use alcohol, iodine, or any other cleanser.
  • Don't remove the flap of skin over a blister unless it's very dirty or torn or there is pus under it. Gently smooth the flap over the tender skin.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. If the skin under the bandage begins to itch or a rash develops, stop using the ointment. The ointment may be causing a skin reaction.
  • Change the bandage once a day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Remove it at night to let the area dry.

Watch for a skin infection while your blister is healing. Signs of infection include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister.
• Red streaks extending away from the blister.
• Drainage of pus from the blister.
• Fever.

Home remedies may relieve Reference itching from blisters. One way to help decrease itching is to keep the itchy area cool and wet. Apply a washcloth that has been soaked in ice water, or get in a cool tub or shower.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Reference Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• A Reference skin infection Opens New Window develops.
• A crusty blister that drains honey-colored fluid develops.
• Signs of illness develop, such as shaking chills, fever, belly pain, vomiting or diarrhea, muscle or joint aches, headache, or a vague sense of illness.
• Symptoms do not improve, or they become more severe or frequent.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.