Treating Blisters: Simple Steps for Protection and Healing
We’ve all experienced the sting of a new blister and agonized over popped ones going septic. These fluid-filled bubbles on the skin cause pain and disruption, especially when located on the feet or hands. Understanding blister causes, prevention, and appropriate first aid can help minimize their impact.
What Exactly Are Blisters?
Blisters represent localized skin trauma, where pressure, friction, or heat damages the skin’s superficial layers. Body fluid then rushes to the area, causing a bubble-like skin swelling. Common culprits producing blisters include new shoes, sports gear friction, medical adhesives, and burns.
While bothersome, blisters form a natural skin barrier that prevents further damage and promotes healing. Provided they remain unbroken, blisters should heal within 2-3 weeks. Infection risks increase dramatically when blisters rupture.
Special Considerations for Foot Blisters
Our feet absorb pressure and shear forces with every step we take. This makes them prone to blister formation, especially when breaking in new shoes or performing endurance sports like hiking and running. Specific trouble spots include toes, heels, and balls-of-feet.
Excess moisture from sweat or socks can accelerate foot blister development. Activities requiring repetitive motion or movements also increase friction risks. Improper footwear sizing and sports techniques further the chances of blistering.
Treating Foot Blisters – Best Practice Care
Apply these first aid steps to care for uncomplicated foot blisters:
- Avoid blister popping: Carefully trim away dead skin surrounding an intact blister unless advised otherwise by your health provider. Leave the fluid-bubble covering intact.
- Relieve pressure: Wear well-fitted shoes and socks that minimize friction. Temporary pads around affected areas can help decrease irritation.
- Keep it clean – Wash hands before handling injured skin or blister dressings. Clean skin gently with mild soap and water.
- Cover with a sterile bandage: Non-stick pads held in place with medical tape seal and protect blisters from infection. Change daily.
- Watch for complications: Diabetics and those with circulation issues face higher infection risks with damaged skin. Seek medical guidance regarding concerning redness, swelling, oozing, increasing pain or fever.
- Allow skin healing: Once a blister naturally drains, continue bandaging and avoid trauma until new skin forms. This takes 2-3 weeks on average.
Managing Blisters from Burns, Chemicals, and Heat
The principle skin-damage actions of thermal, electrical, chemical, and radiation burns can also fill fluid pockets under surrounding skin layers. Additionally, exposure to irritating oils, plants like poison ivy, prolonged sunlight, and some diseases produces similar results.
Follow these first aid guidelines when dealing with liquid-filled burn blisters:
- Cool the skin – For heat related thermal burns, flush skin with lukewarm running water for at least 20 minutes. Do not apply ice.
- Avoid breaking open blisters – Protect raw skin underneath from infection. Seek emergency care for large or extensive blistering. (Think larger than a 20c coin)
- If you have been exposed to poisons, radiation or some other extreme allergen seek emergency help immediately.
- Apply loose sterile dressings: Non-stick pads held in place with rolled medical tape prevent torn blister skin from sticking to gauze. This reduces pain and additional damage when changing bandages. Be careful not to do this with fresh burns as residue may stick the burn,
- Manage pain: Over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol help relieve discomfort from blister burns. Check with doctors before taking medication for extensive burns.
- Prevent infection: Daily cleaning and re-dressing keeps draining burn blisters clean. Watch for increased redness, swelling, discharge, or fever and seek medical treatment.
Understanding Blister Causes and First Aid Essentials
Learning what creates blisters along with appropriate home care steps reduces complications. Knowing when to seek medical attention prevents minor issues from becoming serious infections requiring extensive treatment. By following these first aid guidelines, blisters can usually heal within several weeks without inciting further longstanding foot or skin problems.