Most blisters form because of friction. Simple movements such as rubbing from a shovel handle or a new pair of running shoes can raise one. Insect bites viruses certain skin ailments such as dermatitis and some drugs and chemicals can also cause them. You can get blisters from burns after you have been in the sun or in the extremes of heat or cold.
Blister Symptoms:
- Sore fluid filled bubbles of skin sometimes in clusters
- They can range in size from a pin-point to a few inches across
- Sometimes itching, redness and swelling
Blister Prevention:
- Wear gloves for tasks you do only now and then, such as shoveling snow, sweeping or raking
- Have your feet measured when you buy shoes, and wear only shoes that fit
- Have your shoes repaired often. Worn soles don't protect the feet, and worn linings can chafe the skin
- Keep the feet dry. Wear socks that don't have holes and that soak up moisture
- Dust your feet with an anti-fungal powder if they tend to sweat
- Put petroleum jelly or moleskin pads on areas, such as the heel, where socks are likely to rub. Wear socks that fit well. Socks that bunch up can cause blisters
Home remedies for Blisters:
Some of the major blister home remedy are:
- Most of the time no treatment is needed as new skin forms under the affected area and the fluid is absorbed
- Popping a blister makes infection more likely, so it is best to leave a small blister alone. To drain large painful blisters: clean the area with alcohol. Using a sterile needle, pierce the blister on one side. Let it drain. Apply anti biotic cream and cover it
- Don't pull off or cut away the loose skin from a broken blister; it covers and shields the new skin
- Cover a broken blister to protect it. Use a simple adhesive bandage for a small blister or a gauze pad and adhesive tape for a large one. Change the bandage more often. Leave the blister uncovered at night to allow it to dry
Burn blisters
- Flush the affected area immediately with lots of cool water or saline solution.
- Don't rub or place ice on burns
- Treat burn blisters like friction blisters
When do you need Home Remedies for Blisters
- If a burn has caused a blister, and covers a large area and is very painful.
- Blisters mean a second-degree burn. Some second and all third degree burns need a doctor's care
- If the fluid in the blisters is not clear: white green or yellow discharge may mean an infection
- If your blisters are the result of a skin ailment or contact with chemicals or other toxic agents
