A common treatment for blisters involves keeping the area clean and protected to promote healing and prevent infection.
Treating Unbroken Blisters
For unbroken blisters, the best approach is often to leave them alone. The intact skin covering the blister protects it from infection. However, if the blister is in a location that is likely to be irritated (like on a foot from a shoe), you may consider covering it with a sterile dressing to cushion it.
Treating Broken Blisters
If a blister has already burst:
- Do not peel off the dead skin: This can increase the risk of infection.
- Clean the area gently: Wash the blister and surrounding skin with mild soap and water.
- Apply a sterile dressing: Cover the blister and surrounding area with a clean, dry, sterile dressing. This protects the wound from further irritation and infection while allowing it to heal.
Following these steps helps prevent infection and speeds up the healing process. Remember, if you have concerns about infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, pus), or if the blister is extremely large or painful, consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.
