Overview

Most blisters heal on their own. Home treatment may help decrease pain, prevent infection, and help heal large or broken blisters.

• Bandage small 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.

• Don't drain a blister unless you really need to.

  It's best not to drain a blister at home. But when blisters are painful, some people do drain them. If you do decide to drain your blister, be sure to follow these steps:

  • Wipe a needle with rubbing alcohol.
  • Gently puncture the edge of the blister.
  • Press the fluid in the blister toward the hole so it can drain out.

  Don't drain a blister of any size if:

  • You have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease. Draining a blister increases your risk of infection.
  • You think your blister is from a contagious disease, such as chickenpox. If you drain that type of blister, the virus can spread to another person.
• Clean and cover a torn or drained blister.

  If a blister has torn open, or after you have drained a blister:

  • Gently wash the area with clean water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
  • 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.
  • You may cover the blister with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• Watch for signs of infection.

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

  • Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister.
  • Red streaks leading from the blister.
  • Pus draining from the blister.
  • A fever.
• Try other home remedies if you have itching.

  One way to help decrease itching is to keep the itchy area cool and wet. Apply a cloth that has been soaked in ice water. Or get in a cool tub or shower.

  You can also try a paste of baking soda mixed with water or a non-prescription lotion such as calamine lotion.