Blisters

Blisters are usually the result of per­sistent or repeated rubbing against the skin. Some illnesses, such as shingles, cause blister-like rashes.

. Bums can also blister the skin.

Prevention

· Avoid shoes that are too tight or that rub on your feet.

· Wear gloves to protect your hands when doing heavy chores.

Home Treatment

· If a blister is small and closed, leave it alone. Protect it from fur­ther rubbing by applying a loose bandage. Avoid the activity or shoes that caused the blister to form.

· If a small blister is in a weight-bearing area, protect it with a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad. Leave the area over the blister open.

· If a blister is larger than 1 inch across, it is usually best to drain it. The following is a safe method:

o Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol.

o Gently puncture the blister at the edge.

o To drain the blister, press the fluid in the blister toward the hole you have made.
· Once you have opened a blister, or if it has torn open:

o Wash the area with soap and water.

o Do not remove the flap of skin covering a blister unless it is very dirty or torn, or if pus is forming under the skin flap. Gently smooth the skin flap flat over the tender skin underneath.

o Apply an antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage. Do not use alcohol or iodine. They will delay healing.

o ‘Change the bandage once a day to reduce the chance of infection.

o Remove the bandage at night to let the area dry.

When to Call a Health Professional

· If blisters form often and you do not know the cause.

· If signs of infection develop:

o Increased pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness.

Heat or red streaks extending from the blister. Discharge of pus.

o Fever of 37.80C (1000F) or higher with no other cause.

· If you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease and blisters are forming on your hands, feet, or legs.