Blister Care

     Drain the blister prior to applying a dressing when it is in a weight-bearing area and larger than ¾ of an inch in diameter. Use an alcohol wipe or hydrogen peroxide to clean the skin around the blister. Then use a pin or needle, flame-sterilized by heating with a match, to lance two to four puncture holes in a row in the blister. Making a single large hole increases the possibility of the blister roof shearing off when walking resumes. Make the puncture holes on the side of the blister where ongoing foot pressure will push out additional fluid, generally to the back of the foot and towards the outside. Use pressure from your fingers to push out the fluid. Blot the fluid away with a tissue. Clean and dry the skin before doing further blister care. The outer layer of dead skin should not be removed. It is important that the blister not be allowed to refill with fluid. Use one of the blister care products in the next section to protect the blister. Occasionally re-check the blister and drain it again if it has refilled with fluid.

Another method to drain blisters is to use standard nail clippers or small pointed scissors, sterilized with a flame, and clip a hole at the edge at the most dependent spot and also at 180-degrees from there. This lets both gravity and capillary action; along with muscular movement fully empty the blister. These instruments make a “V” notch, rather than a simple hole.

Do not drain a blister when it is blood-filled. To do so creates the risk of a serious infection as bacteria is easily introduced into the blood system. Pad around the blister with moleskin or adhesive felt.

If the blister has ruptured, the degree of repair depends on the condition of the blister’s outer covering. If the outer layer of skin is torn off or only a flap of skin is left, carefully cut off the loose skin, clean the area and cover the new skin with an antibiotic ointment and a protective covering. 

(Blisters: infected blisters). The use of soap and water, an antibiotic ointment, or hydrogen peroxide for open blisters is important to avoid infection. An infection will be indicated by any of the following: redness, swelling, red streaks up the limb, pain, fever, and /or pus.

Frequent warm water or Epsom Salt soaks will help heal both closed and open blisters.

Denise Jones