Blisters: 10 basic tips to know how to heal the skin

Blisters are unwelcome abrasive injuries. Perhaps the most common cause of the appearance of blisters is the constant chafing of shoes, although there are also other cases such as injuries from burns or frostbite.

Fortunately, blisters are not a serious injury. Anyway, there are a series of tips and tricks to know how to cure blisters, and that can cause real discomfort or even infections.

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10 basic tips to know how to heal blisters

The first question when a blister appears is whether or not something should be done to make it heal.. If the area is going to receive pressure, it is convenient to cover it again, although it is recommended that the wound perspire.

It is possible to help heal blisters, but it must be done carefully and delicately so as not to further damage the skin and cause a bigger problem. Below are the basic tips and tricks on how to heal blisters.

1. To wash

The first thing to do when the blister appears is to wash it

. In most cases the blisters heal and disappear without much intervention, but it is necessary to have the area clean and disinfected.

Simply wash the area with warm soapy water, and always after washing your hands first. Infection of the wound must be avoided at all costs, so the blister should not be touched with dirty hands. If the blister is kept disinfected, it will disappear more quickly and without leaving a trace.

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2. Do not burst the blister

One of the main recommendations is not to burst the blister. Although the temptation is great, it is best not to. When the wound is opened, the probability of infection is much higher, and it is easy for the wound to become dirty.

If it is touched and handled, it must be washed and dried well. It has to be done very gently to avoid at all times opening the ampoule and causing the liquid to come out. You just have to leave it clean and not manipulate more.

3. Cover the blister

After having washed the area, it is advisable to cover the blister if it is going to receive pressure. You can put a bandage or one of the special adhesive tapes that are sold in pharmacies. They contain zinc oxide, which helps prevent infection.

However, you have to pay attention that first of all the area is dry. First you have to wash and then you have to dry or let the skin dry on its own, because a mistake could cause an infection.

4. Apply cold

If the blister is painful, it can be cold to mitigate the discomfort. For this, a little ice will be enough, you just have to be careful not to apply it directly to the wound.

It is best to wrap an ice cube in a plastic bag and press gently. Much care must be taken so that moisture does not end up in the wound or that the material with which it was covered does not get wet. * You may be interested: "Types of gemstones: properties and how to use them"

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5. Monitor for changes

Although they are usually harmless and heal on their own, watch for changes in the blister. To avoid any subsequent problems, it is necessary to be careful that the skin does not show signs of infection or any abnormality in the area.

If necessary, an antiseptic can be applied. In this way, the possibility of developing an infection is further reduced, which can also be even more annoying and painful.

6. Drain the liquid

When the blister is very large, it can be opened. From 3 cm in diameter it causes a lot of pain, so it can be opened after washing the area with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. With a sterile needle it must be punctured and squeezed so that the liquid comes out.

Once the ampoule is empty, iodine is applied to prevent infection and covered again with gauze. It is better to cover it for a few hours and then uncover it again and let it oxygenate.

7, Do not peel off the skin

The best way to avoid damaging is not to tear the skin off the blister. This skin falls off on its own and does not need to be removed, in addition to that in some areas it can be worse. P may still be very attached and manipulating it can create more injury and cause pain.

It is common to want to start it, but is generally a mistake. It is useful as a protective layer until the new skin is born. Dead skin is not a problem as long as it is clean.

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8. Go to the doctor

There are cases in which it is best to go to the doctor. A blister heals on its own, but sometimes it is necessary for a specialist to examine the area to avoid major problems.

The following signs are negative and going to the doctor may be recommended:

• Temperature rise
• Excessive redness
• White blister liquid
• Very severe pain
• Bad smell
• Deeply injured blood

9. Wear comfortable shoes

Preventing blisters from appearing or getting worse is very simple. You have to wear comfortable and tailored shoes and wear natural fiber socks. When doing some exercise such as running or walking a lot, you have to help reduce the friction caused by blisters.

Applying talcum powder or petroleum jelly to the foot is also a good idea. Walking or running can affect the evolution of the blister. Walking should be stopped the moment it begins to burn to prevent the wound from worsening.

10. Auxiliary home remedies

Some home remedies can help decrease pain. An example is soaking your feet in hot salted water or carefully rubbing garlic on the affected area. In this way the blister is disinfected.

Aloe vera gel can also help you heal and feel soothing, while applying apple cider vinegar is good for its antibiotic properties. It must be remembered that any manipulation that is done must be done with clean hands.

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Bibliographic references

• Heinerman, J. (1998). Aloe Vera, Jojoba and Yucca. The amazing health benefits they can give you. New York: McGraw-Hill.

• Sulzberger, M.B., Cortese, T.A., Fishman, L. and Wiley, H.S. (1966). Studies on Blisters Produced by Friction. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 47, 456–465.

• Uchinuma, E., Koganei, Y., Shioya, N. and Yoshizato, K. (1988). Biological evaluation of burn blister fluid. Annals of plastic surgery, 20 (3), 225-230.