At Home Blister Care Made Simple

A blister will occur when the outer skin (known as the epidermis), separates from the skin that is just below it (known as the dermis). Blister care is necessary to ensure that infection doesn't set in. The skin will grow from beneath, but the top layer will hang loose since it's dead.

Blisters can occur in many environments. They can occur in intense heat or cold, in frost bites, chemical injury and due to friction. Blisters usually heal by themselves unless an infection has set in.

Athletes, such as mountain bikers, hikers and marathon runners are prone to blisters, and know the importance of blister care. They care for these minor injuries by wearing gloves and comfortable padded shoes while participating in their sports.

Special blister care is necessary if an infection should happen to set in. You can tell a blister is infected if it oozes pus or becomes painfully inflammed. Other signs are fever, red lines appearing on the skin around the blister, and bumps in the area. You should see your doctor immediately if you think your blister is infected, or if the blister delevops on your face or genitals.

Although it may be tempting to peel away the loose skin, peeling should be avoided at all costs. The correct way to care for a blister is to wash it thoroughly, cover it with a bandage and be careful not to hit or rub it on anything.

If you're feeling discomfort due to pressure in the area and want to open the blister for draining, then here is what you should do:

1. Wash your hands and the blister thoroughly.
2. Wipe your blister gently with a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide.
3. Gather your supplies: a needle or safety pin and a lighter.
4. Heat the tip of the pin for 20 seconds over the lighter's flame.
5. Very gently insert the tip of the needle into the bubble of the blister.
6. Let the fluid drain out by itself. You should feel immediate relief from the pressure.
7. Swipe the area with hydrogen peroxide again.
8. Cover with a bandage and treat your injury with the proper blister care. The bandage will cause some light pressure, which will also help with the draining.

For daily blister care, you should wash the area and change the dressing everyday. Let the blister dry for a few minutes before putting the bandage on. Normally, with proper care, blisters will heal within just a few days.

Many a times a blood blister may also develop. This happens due to smashing or pinching at the time ofinjury. For example a blood blister may form if a finger is caught in a door. Normally blister care for blood blisters simple consists of daily cleanings and protecting it with a bandage.

It isn't neccessary that you see a doctor for blood blister care unless there is numbness in the area, or severe pain. If there are no such complaints then blister care can be done at home quite easily. Simply elevate the blister area, apply a cold compress (such as a towel filled with ice), clean away the moisture and then apply padding or some splint to keep the blister away from harm.

Even if you take all the precautions and use correct blister care, blisters will sometimes get infected or take too long to heal. If this happens, please don't hesitate to see your doctor. Your doctorr may prescribe you antibiotic medication, or instruct you on other ways to care for your injury.