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How do I Heal a Blister?
The best way to heal a blister is to prevent further friction or damage, and just let the blister heal on its own. The blister itself acts as a natural bandage and helps to prevent infection; popping a blister can potentially introduce bacteria into the skin. Of course, this method may not always be possible with larger blisters, depending on where they are. In this case, to heal a blister it is best to sterilize a needle using rubbing alcohol, then gently pop the blister and allow the fluid to drain, and then treat the blister as you would any other injury to the skin.
Once the blister has been popped and the clear fluid has drained, leave the remaining skin over the blister if it appears clean; apply antibiotic ointment and an adhesive bandage. When trying to heal a blister like this, it is important to keep the area dry and clean, so change the bandage regularly and gently wash the area before applying more antibiotic ointment. It is also important to watch for signs of infections, which can include pus forming around the area, redness or red streaks surrounding the blister, a feeling that the blister is hot to the touch, or the presence of a fever in the body. Symptoms such as these might require antibiotics, particularly the presence of red streaks or a fever, so it will be necessary to visit a doctor.
Using this process to heal a blister will typically help the blister to heal within a few days. Be sure to protect the area from further damage by wearing different shoes, for example, if the blister was caused by friction. Keep in mind that if a blister is small, however, it may not be necessary to pop it in order to heal a blister. In this case, simply keeping the area clean and protected from further damage by wearing an adhesive circular blister pad around the area can be enough to encourage healing. Some people also apply aloe vera gel to the blister, to speed healing and prevent itching.
Blisters that seem to be filled with blood or anything other than clear fluid may need to be treated by a doctor. Again, it is important to note any symptoms that could indicate infection, and make note if the blister does not seem to be improving. Be sure to wear properly fitting shoes every day to prevent blisters on the feet, and protect the hands by wearing gloves if blisters are frequently occurring at work.
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![A water blister caused by friction.]()
By: Rob ByronA water blister caused by friction. -
![Putting an adhesive bandage over a blister can help it heal.]()
By: ILYA AKINSHINPutting an adhesive bandage over a blister can help it heal. -
![A man with poison ivy blisters.]()
By: Wild GeeseA man with poison ivy blisters. -
![Aloe gel has a calming effect on the skin.]()
By: sassyphotosAloe gel has a calming effect on the skin. -
![Viral skin infections may cause blood blisters.]()
By: roblanViral skin infections may cause blood blisters.
Discussion Comments
@ddljohn-- I know how you feel. I've been dealing with fever blisters and cold sores for many years too.
From my experience, the best treatment for blisters is ice. I put a piece of ice in a paper towel and hold it over the ice for at least ten minutes several times a day. If you do this before the blister comes on, you may be able to prevent it from forming in the first place. If it has already formed, still apply it because it will help keep it down and help with the redness too.
Blisters are caused by a virus. So paying attention to hygiene is always important. Wash your hands after touching the blister and keep the area of the blister clean too.
@literally45-- The other major reason why a blister shouldn't be popped is because the virus will spread to the surrounding area along with the liquid! If you pop a blister, get ready for new ones coming up around it.
Any time I have even a slight fever, I get one or two fever blisters on my lips. I've tried several over the counter treatments for them in the past, but they don't work fast enough. The bad part about my fever blisters is that they're usually very large and painful. Sometimes they last for a week or more and going around with a huge blister on your lip for that amount of time is not fun.
Someone told me to put salt on it but I can't get myself to do it. I'm sure it would burn like crazy. I just want a remedy that will work fast and reduce the swelling and redness without causing me too much pain.
Does anyone have any good tips / remedies for healing fever blisters quickly? If you do, please share!
I used to always pop blisters and they usually ended up getting infected after that. But I assumed that it would be less painful for me to pop it with a needle myself rather than letting it pop on its own.
I was wrong though. At my last doctor's appointment, the nurse told me that the best blister treatment is leaving it alone. She told me never to pop a blister and said that the fluid inside the blister actually helps prevent it from getting infected. And if left alone, the blister will reabsorb that fluid into the skin while the blister is healing.
Most of the time blisters don't pop on their own, unless they're on the feet or something. So I've been causing my blisters to get infected for no reason by popping them. From now on, I'm just going to leave it alone and let it take care of itself.
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