Broken Blisters: Home Treatment
Topic Overview
It's best not to drain a blister at home. But when blisters are painful, some people do drain them. If you drain your blister or if it has torn open, be sure to follow these steps:
- Gently wash the area with clean water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which 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 area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
- Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
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.
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ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofNovember 20, 2017
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Current as of: November 20, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine