Ill-fitting or tight shoes, for example, can rub the skin for a prolonged period, resulting in a blister forming. This type of blister will usually heal on its own if a person keeps it clean and dry. Popping it will increase the likelihood of germs getting into the wound and causing an infection.
However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD , it may be advisable to drain a friction blister that is large or very painful to ease the discomfort. Heat, electricity, and sunlight can burn the skin and lead to blistering. Chemical burns can also cause blisters. Historically, doctors labeled burns as either first, second, or third degree.
Now, they prefer to classify burns according to their depth. There are three main types of burn:. Most household burns and sunburns are either superficial burns or minor partial thickness burns. There may be a small amount of blistering, and the area will look red and a little swollen.
It will also be painful. Read about treatments for burn blisters here. Dyshidrotic eczema is a common form of eczema that can cause itchy, dry skin and small, deep-seated blisters on the hands or feet. These blisters are usually itchy and painful. Eczema is a long-term condition for which there is no cure, and the symptoms tend to come and go over time. Blisters can appear during a flare-up of symptoms, which stress or a rise in temperature can trigger.
These small blisters usually clear up in 2—3 weeks. They may burst on their own, but people should avoid popping them. Certain viral infections can cause blisters. These include infections with the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles , and the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores or fever blisters. Doctors will typically advise people to avoid scratching or breaking open chickenpox or shingles blisters as doing this can leave a scar. Instead, a person can try applying calamine lotion to the skin or adding baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to a cool bath to help reduce the itching.
Cold sores usually appear close to the mouth, often on or next to the lips. They may be in the form of a single blister or a cluster of blisters.
Cold sore blisters will usually go away by themselves in a week or two. It is important to avoid popping, scratching, or touching these blisters as this can spread the virus to other areas of skin, causing further outbreaks. According to the AAD , a person can follow these steps to drain a blister properly:. Using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the needle does not always prevent infection. People who are prone to getting infections may wish to ask a doctor to drain the blister for them in a more sterile environment.
If a person suspects that a blister has become infected, they should speak to a doctor. Prescription antibiotic tablets or a topical ointment or cream can help.
Learn how to recognize and treat an infected blister here. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Blister Care. Top of the page. Topic Overview Try home treatment for 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. If a blister is large and painful, it may be best to drain it. Here is a safe method: Wipe a needle or straight pin with rubbing alcohol. They're mostly caused by friction, burns and skin reactions, such as an allergic reaction. Blood blisters appear when blood vessels in the skin have also been damaged.
They're often more painful than a regular blister. Page last reviewed: 04 January Next review due: 04 January How you can treat a blister yourself To protect the blister and help prevent infection: Do cover blisters with a soft plaster or padded dressing wash your hands before touching a burst blister allow the fluid in a burst blister to drain before covering it with a plaster or dressing. Find a pharmacy.
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