Tips to Prevent and Treat Blisters (2024)

FAQs

How can you prevent blisters? ›

During physical activity, wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid clothes made of cotton, as cotton soaks up sweat and moisture, which can lead to friction and chafing. Consider soft bandages. For problem areas, such as the feet or thighs, consider using adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages.

Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the blister and cover it with a nonstick bandage or gauze pad. After several days, cut away the dead skin. Use tweezers and scissors that you sterilize with an antiseptic wipe or rubbing alcohol. Apply more ointment and a bandage.

Topical ointments such as iodine or other over-the-counter topical antibiotic products can help keep a blister clean while it's healing, Dr. Botek says. Keeping the blister covered and changing the bandage daily can help keep it clean and protected, as well.

Doing basic first aid may prevent a large blister from forming. For minor burns: run the burn under cool water for 10 minutes. gently pat the burn dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

As new skin grows underneath the blister, your body slowly reabsorbs the fluid in the blister. The skin on top will dry and peel off. If the blister does burst, don't peel off the dead skin. Instead, allow the fluid inside the blister to drain and cover the area with a dry, sterile dressing.

Vaseline, which is made from 100% petroleum jelly, is one option that's beloved by many NBC Select staffers. You can use it on blisters, sunburns, dry skin and chapped lips, so it's worth keeping a jar at home.

New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid is simply absorbed. Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. The fluid-filled blister keeps the underlying skin clean, which prevents infection and promotes healing.

“Wounds heal best in a humid environment. This is a clinically proven learning that the plaster is based upon. In a protected environment the blister will heal off best and all by itself.

How do you dry out blisters overnight? ›

Cover it up.

Cover your blister with a loosely wrapped bandage. You can use a regular adhesive bandage or some gauze secured with tape. Your blister needs air to help it dry out, so keep the middle of the bandage slightly raised for airflow.

There are many ways to prevent blisters on hands caused by friction. Wearing a pair of gloves is crucial, especially for those involved in manual duties or use tools regularly. Applying lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, can also help reduce friction at pressure points, preventing blisters.

Although not necessary, blisters may be covered with a band- aid or other bandage. 4. Although not necessary, you can use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin (triple antibiotic ointment, polysporin (double antibiotic ointment, or Vaseline (petroleum jelly).

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.

A blister could be starting to form. Decrease friction to the skin of your feet. Try applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, or tape to areas that are likely to be rubbed by poorly fitting shoes.

If the area becomes red, inflamed or any pustular discharge contact the podiatry department immediately. If you are prone to blisters and intend to do a lot of walking, try rubbing surgical spirit over the skin for a few weeks beforehand to toughen it.

Cover your blister with a loosely wrapped bandage. You can use a regular adhesive bandage or some gauze secured with tape. Your blister needs air to help it dry out, so keep the middle of the bandage slightly raised for airflow.

ADAPTATION: Start slowly and build up to activity and equipment To help your skin become more resistant: Increase duration and intensity of blister-causing activities slowly over time. Use the same shoes, gloves or load weight/shape as you increase activity.