How to Treat a Blister

Who hasn’t had to deal with painful blisters after trying to break in a new pair of shoes? While shoe friction is one of the most common causes of blisters, you can also get them from burns and sunburns. If you want to know how to treat a blister, that all depends on what caused it in the first place.

How to Treat a Blister Caused By Burns, Sunburns, and Friction

If you notice fluid coming from a blister, not to fret — it’s perfectly normal! Your body recognizes your skin has been damaged and is sending fluid to that area to help it heal. But no matter what the cause of your blister is, do not burst the blister. This can allow germs to get in the affected area and cause an infection. If you have a severe burn or sunburn, you probably want to seek professional medical attention. For mild cases, here are some tips for administering first aid:

How to Treat a Blister Caused By Burns (first-degree burns)

1. Cool the blistered area with a wet compress for five minutes or longer. You can use a cool, clean cloth to do this.
2. For pain, you can try taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
3. Cover the blistered area with lidocaine gel or cream. Using one with aloe vera works best to soothe the skin.
4. Apply an antibiotic ointment, like bacitracin, and loose gauze to protect the affected area.

How to Treat a Blister Caused by Sunburn

1. Use a cool wet cloth to cool down the blistered area. Remember, do not burst the blister because of the threat of germs and infection.
2. Find a topical sunburn cream to help soothe the burn.
3. See a doctor if you have multiple blisters or if you’re in a lot of pain.

How to Treat a Blister Caused by Friction

1. Of course, stop the activity you were doing that caused the blister. For instance, if it’s a particular set of shoes that gave you a blister, you should stop wearing them. If it was caused by ice skates, you may want to try on a different size next time. If you have blisters on your hands from using a hockey stick, tennis racket, or gardening tool, let your hands heal and try using gloves next time around.
2. Cool and clean the blistered area with cool water.
3. Cover with a Bandaid for the meantime if the blister is in an exposed area.
4. Before bed, cover the blister with non-stick dressing to prevent it from rubbing against the sheets.

Why do blisters form?

Blisters actually form as a protective mechanism when skin has been damaged by friction, heat, cold, or chemicals. Fluid fills the affected area underneath the upper layer of skin (the epidermis) to protect the lower layer of skin (the dermis). The fluid serves to protect the area from further damage and allow it to heal.

How long does it usually take for a blister to heal?

Most blisters heal on their own within three to seven days. Undoubtedly, blisters can cause you a lot of pain initially, but your body generally is able to heal from them on its own. The key is to keep the area clean for fast healing. For blisters caused by contagious viral infections, like chickenpox or shingles, call your doctor about proper treatment to avoid spreading the virus to others.

What does an infected blister look like?

If your blister is infected, you’ll likely see it fill up with a yellowish-greenish pus. The site may also be painful. An infected blister that goes untreated can lead to a contagious bacterial infection or even sepsis, so you should never leave an infected blister untreated. You should  also seek medical advice for blisters that:

• Come from burns or scalding
• Are near the eyes or mouth
• Appear after a severe sunburn
• Result from an allergic reaction
• Result from contact with chemicals or other substances

Is it OK to pop a blister?

Typically, there is no need to pop your blister. For more severe blisters, you probably want to seek medical advice to prevent an infection from happening. The new skin beneath the blister needs protection, so if you’re dealing with a serious burn, it’s best to seek the help of a doctor.

What home remedies can I use on a blister?

Known for its healing qualities, aloe vera from the aloe vera plant is great to apply on blisters. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it helps relieve swelling and redness. Its hydrating properties keeps the skin moist, helping the blister heal faster. Honey also has healing, antibacterial properties that may work on a blister from a burn. However, you may only want to use honey on less severe blisters.

What is not okay to use on a blister?

While some old wives’ tales carry truth, you probably don’t want to put anything like butter or grease on the blister. Why? Grease can cause the blister to retain heat, which can cause more damage to the skin. While we mentioned honey may help with the healing of moderate blisters, you’ll want to consult a doctor first. The amount of honey and the way the dressing is applied can impact how the wound will heal.

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How to get rid of a blister: 5 natural home remedies

Blisters are fluid filled pockets that form on the skin in response to friction, heat, or infections. Blisters can heal on their own, but natural products can help speed up the healing process.

The epidermis, or the upper layer of skin, acts as a physical barrier between the lower layers of the skin and the external environment. The skin here forms blisters to protect itself from irritation, such as constant rubbing or pressure.

Blisters also give the skin time to heal. People should avoid popping or opening a blister because the skin keeps germs out and prevents infection.

Continue reading to learn more about the best natural home remedies for blisters.

Share on PinterestThe healing properties of aloe vera may help treat blisters.

Blisters on the feet and toes usually develop as a result of friction.

Wearing poorly fitting shoes is a common cause of friction blisters. Wearing strappy sandals such as flip flops, which have the potential to rub against the toes, can lead to friction blisters on the inside of the big toe.

Blisters in these locations can resolve quickly if the person addresses the cause of the irritation.

For example, if a pair of shoes is causing blisters, switching to a better fitting or more comfortable pair for a few days will give the skin time to heal.

Instead of wearing sandals with straps or high heeled shoes, try wearing comfortable, close-toed shoes for a few days to give the feet time to heal.

People can also cover their blisters with adhesive bandages or gauze pads to prevent further friction. Applying Vaseline to the area before covering it can also be helpful, as this will reduce friction in the area.

Natural remedies for blisters on the feet, toes, and heels include:

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera leaves contain a gel-like substance that is well known for its healing properties.

One systematic review concludes that the compounds inside aloe vera gel reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and stimulate cellular regeneration, which can promote more efficient wound healing.

According to the findings of a 2018 randomized controlled trial, aloe vera gel improved healing in people who underwent skin grafting operations for burn wounds. Although aloe vera gel demonstrated impressive healing benefits, it did not lead to significant pain relief.

People can purchase ointments and skin products that contain aloe vera over the counter. They can also apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the blister.

People should note that none of these studies looked at aloe vera for friction blisters. There is no guarantee that aloe vera would provide any more benefit than something such as plain Vaseline or using nothing at all.

However, given the low risk of any side effects, it may be worth trying.

2. Vaseline

Plain petroleum jelly is a favorite among dermatologists for the treatment of wounds.

Although the blister itself will act as a covering for the wound, if it happens to break, a person can cover the area with Vaseline and a bandage. This may promote healing of the area.

Share on PinterestCalendula may improve skin healing because it contains several antioxidants.

Blisters on the fingers and palms of the hands can occur as a result of a skin condition called dyshidrotic eczema, or dyshidrosis.

Dyshidrosis is a type of eczema that causes dry, itchy skin and small blisters on the hands and feet.

There is no cure for dyshidrosis, and flare-ups usually last between 2–3 weeks, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Although several over-the-counter and prescription treatment options exist for eczema conditions, the National Eczema Association estimate that more than 50% of people with the condition use complementary and alternative medicine to treat their symptoms. It is best to use complementary medicine as an addition to conventional therapy.

Natural remedies for dyshidrosis and other eczema-related blisters include:

3. Calendula

Calendula comes from marigold plants. It contains several antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and increase skin healing.

Although calendula appears safe for external use, it can cause contact dermatitis. People using calendula for the first time should test a small amount on their skin before using it to treat blisters or other sensitive areas of skin.

4. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a type of fatty acid that can hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. As a result, coconut oil may promote tissue repair and increase wound healing.

People can dip a cotton ball into melted coconut oil and gently tap the oil onto the blister.

Viral infections can cause blisters to develop on the lips.

For example, herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common viral infection that can cause cold sores and genital herpes.

HSV-1 infection causes recurrent cold sores, which are small blisters or pus bumps that appear around the mouth and on the lips.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HSV-1 infections affected roughly 48.1% of people ages 14–49 in the United States in 2015–2016.

Cold sores usually heal on their own, but they can cause swelling, pain, and irritation.

One natural remedy for cold sores on the lips is lemon balm:

5. Lemon balm

Compounds inside Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, may have antiviral effects.

According to one 2017 review article, lemon balm may suppress HSV during the early stages of infection.

Lemon balm may also help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with HSV infections.

People can dilute lemon balm oil with water and apply the mixture to a cold sore using a cotton swab.

Share on PinterestWearing shoes that feel comfortable may help to prevent blisters.

Although it is not possible to prevent some types of blister — such as those that are related to dyshidrosis — people can prevent friction blisters.

Blisters do heal on their own without causing complications, but they can often interfere with daily activities, such as walking.

Following these tips can help prevent friction blisters from developing altogether:

• Wear well fitting, comfortable shoes.
• Wear loose fitting, moisture wicking clothes while exercising.
• Apply soft bandages in problem areas, such as the feet, heels, and thighs.

Blisters develop on the skin for a number of reasons. The treatment options vary depending on the cause.

Common causes of blisters include prolonged friction, eczema-related skin conditions, and infections such as HSV-1.

Remedies that may prove beneficial for people with blisters include:

• aloe vera
• Vaseline
• calendula
• coconut oil
• lemon balm

However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the routine use of these natural remedies on their own.

It is best always to speak to a doctor to see if combining these remedies with more conventional treatments, such as Valtrex for a cold sore outbreak, may help speed up the healing process.

Read the article in Spanish.

From curing blisters and removing makeup to getting rid of dandruff: how aloe vera juice can replace the contents of a first aid kit and cosmetic bag

Aloe vera is a plant that will come in handy in any home. It can be grown on a window, or can be purchased inexpensively at a pharmacy. This succulent is widely used in medicine and cosmetics, as it has a calming, anti-inflammatory, healing and moisturizing effect. One plump leaf of the plant contains a whole storehouse of vitamins and nutrients that can do a lot: from removing acne to strengthening hair.

1. Treatment of insect bites and irritations

Aloe is good for treating bites and various skin irritations.

Walking on a warm summer evening was not in vain? In order not to suffer all night from itching and irritation, it is better to resort to the help of aloe. With the help of a liquid from a pharmacy bottle or juice from a plant, we rub all the bites. The plant has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect, due to which itching quickly disappears, swelling subsides and all traumatic skin lesions disappear. Equally well, aloe helps with skin irritation from poison ivy.

2. Moisturizing the skin of the face and body

Aloe Vera is an effective natural moisturizer with no contraindications or side effects.

The plant is well suited for moisturizing the skin of the whole body. However, it is especially pleasant to use it to improve the condition of the skin of the face, since after the juice of the succulent there is no unpleasant feeling of greasy. The pores quickly absorb the liquid and make the skin soft, velvety, the skin color also improves, the feeling of tightness disappears. However, you should not abuse aloe vera juice: too frequent use can harm. Among other positive qualities, the plant has an exfoliating effect, so it can make the skin drier with repeated use without interruption.

3. Fast make-up removal

Natural beauty thanks to a cheap natural remedy

Why use expensive purchased products with an incomprehensible composition, if a natural product is at hand? Aloe vera is great for removing makeup, is inexpensive and safe for the skin. It does not irritate the epidermis, soothes it and moisturizes. Beauticians recommend trying a simple recipe for your home cosmetic bag: mix aloe juice with water and a little olive oil. The resulting product can gently remove makeup, further rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin. No need to rinse.

4. Treatment of blisters

Safe treatment of blisters at home.

If you rub the blister with aloe vera gel from the pharmacy or the juice of a home plant, the swelling and redness will pass rather quickly. The procedure must be repeated periodically to keep the skin moist. So the blister will heal much faster.

5. Quick relief for sunburn

Aloe Vera helps soothe sunburn and redness.

What beautiful tan can do without burns and red skin in the first days on the beach? Almost none, so the use of aloe juice as a protective agent is one of the most common. The plant moisturizes and soothes irritated skin, cools it and promotes rapid renewal. Many standard products containing benzocaine, petroleum jelly and lidocaine in their composition retain heat in the skin, only exacerbating cell damage after a sunburn.

6. Treatment of problem skin

Aloe vera can help get rid of acne fast.

It looks like a fairy tale, but it’s true. Aloe vera reduces redness and inflammation, while its antibacterial properties fight the bacteria that caused acne in the first place. To improve the condition of problem skin, dermatologists advise using a simple face mask. You need to take a purchased product from a pharmacy or make a mask from the internal content of the leaves of the plant, put a sufficient layer on your face for 15 minutes, and then wipe it with a napkin without rinsing.

7. Natural hair conditioner

Dermatologists recommend switching to natural products.

Use some aloe vera juice instead of store bought conditioner. For an amazing effect, you just need to rub it into the roots, leave for 5 minutes, and then rinse with water. Hair will become naturally smooth and soft. Aloe vera will give your hair additional moisture and nutrients, as well as promote growth.

8. Shave without irritation

Applying some aloe juice to your skin before shaving is a great idea

Since aloe vera is very moisturizing, it is considered a great natural alternative to traditional shaving gels. The razor will glide smoothly, which will reduce damage, scratches and wounds. As an added bonus, the skin will be provided with natural hydration and enrichment with useful vitamins.

9. Heal the burn

Instant positive effect in the treatment of all types of burns.

Not only the sun can leave a burn on the skin. Aloe vera works on damaged skin, no matter the cause. It is much more effective and cheaper compared to other pharmaceutical products created for the targeted treatment of burns. With the help of aloe, you can provide first aid for first and second degree burns.

10. Get rid of dandruff

It’s time to make friends with aloe vera and say goodbye to dandruff forever.

Special Anti-Dandruff Shampoo can be easily replaced with medicinal aloe vera elixir. The plant quickly alleviates the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, a common disorder that causes dandruff. Dermatologists recommend applying it directly to the scalp every other day.

Aloe for burns and wound healing: how to apply

Contents

1. Effects on skin regeneration
2. Aloe Vera Healing Video
3. Preparing the affected area
4. How to use

9 0099 Thermal burns

5. Chemical
6. Solar
7. Electrical
8. Wound healing
9. Primary treatment
10. Recovery step
11. Precautions

Aloe has unique properties and is often used for medicinal purposes. This plant is a representative of the home green first aid kit. In today’s article, we will talk about how to use aloe for burns.

Influence on skin regeneration

It has long been known that folk remedies are not inferior in their effectiveness to pharmaceutical drugs. Aloe juice is used to treat various types of burns. Juice is used both as an independent remedy and as an auxiliary. It all depends on the degree of damage. It is noteworthy that this medicinal plant will not only speed up the healing process, but will help to avoid the formation of scars and scars.

Aloe vera juice is the basis for many medicinal mixtures that are used externally. Aloe pulp can retain moisture concentration for a long period of time, thereby relieving inflammation and protecting the wound from the penetration of harmful bacteria.

In addition, aloe draws pus from the boil. This formation can occur anywhere on the body. Usually a boil causes a lot of trouble to a person, primarily pain. Squeezing out an abscess on your own is not worth it. He needs to be given time to mature. A purulent head appears only after a few days.

Now it’s time to get the pus out. Aloe is just the simplest and most effective remedy that can draw pus from a boil.

A bruise is another unpleasant formation that often appears on the body. Of course, you want to quickly get rid of this painful spot, which was the result of a bruise. Pharmacists today offer many different remedies, but you can use lotions with aloe juice from bruises.

As you can see, the faith of our ancestors in the healing power of plants was not in vain. And now, when pharmacies are full of medicines, we can use what nature itself has given.

Video “Healing properties of aloe vera”

In this video you will learn about the main healing properties of the aloe plant.

Preparing the affected area

Before applying an aloe vera compress to the wound, the affected area must be prepared:

1. Remove the cause of the burn immediately. For example, if the burn is sunny, move to a shady area.
2. Determine the degree of burn. So, the lesion of the first degree affects only the layer of the epidermis. Redness appears at the site of the lesion, pain is present. Second degree burns are characterized by blistering and severe pain. Defeat III degree already penetrates through all layers of the skin. Such burns can cause swelling, but practically do not hurt, because the nerve endings are affected.
3. Cool the affected area. This manipulation will help to “pull” the heat out of the wound and soothe the skin before applying aloe. You can substitute the affected area under a stream of cold water for 15 minutes or attach a cloth soaked in cold water to the wound.
4. Next, clean the wound with soapy water. Then rinse again under cold water and pat dry with a towel.

Note that you should not rub the skin with effort, because the skin may crack or blister.

Application features

For thermal burns

Boiling water burns are the most common injury. For this reason, the presence of an agave (the popular name for aloe) on the windowsill will not be superfluous. This medicinal plant will quickly restore the skin and reduce pain during the healing process. It is enough to take one sheet, cut it lengthwise and attach the pulp to the wound, securing it with a bandage.

Chemical

This type of burn requires caution. First you need to completely cleanse the skin of chemicals. Aloe is used as an additional remedy. The affected area is wiped with a solution of an aqueous solution of aloe every two hours. You can apply a compress with crushed leaves.

Solar

In case of sunburn, apply freshly squeezed juice to the wound. Healing juice is applied a couple of times a day, already on the second day it stops itching, inflammation subsides. Note that the drug can be stored for a short time in the refrigerator in a glass container.

Electric

In case of an electric burn, aloe juice is applied to the injured area, which is previously diluted with water. A freshly cut leaf of the plant can be applied to the site of the lesion with the pulp down. The juice enzymes will reduce the likelihood of a scar. When applying juice, which contains 22 amino acids – the building material of cells, damaged cells regenerate 8 times faster.

Wound healing

For wound healing, ointments, compresses from aloe leaves and their juice are used. Leaves at the bottom should be used because they are more fleshy and mature. Most benefit from leaf plates with dried tips. The length of the leaf plate should be at least 15 cm. Aloe juice, which is used to heal wounds, should only be freshly squeezed. The fact is that the longer you store it, the less useful components and healing properties remain in it.

Primary treatment

An aloe leaf is applied to an open wound, having previously cut it, then a fixing bandage is applied, which is changed during the day. The plant is rich in phytoncides, resinous substances and vitamins, therefore it has a bactericidal effect on the damaged area. Agave draws pus from an open wound. Aloe juice is also applied to wounds in which there is no pus. The plant has an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Recovery stage

An ointment is prepared for the treatment of wounds: the leaves are freed from thorns, crushed and mixed in equal amounts with boiled water, after which the same amount of glycerin and 1 tsp. lemon juice. The resulting mixture is infused for a day in a dark place. Now it remains only to strain the mixture and place it in storage in the refrigerator. The ointment is applied to heal wounds, ulcers, bedsores.

Aloe juice accelerates the healing process for frostbite, bruises, insect bites. One of the properties of the agave is to prevent the formation of coarse scar tissue. It causes rapid recovery and regeneration of the cells of the injured area. Under the influence of aloe, connective tissue is created 4 times faster, and dead cells are more intensively processed by the enzymes that make up the plant.

Professional athletes treat muscle pain, sprains, scratches and bruises with this unique healing remedy.

Precautions

When used externally, agave juice has practically no contraindications, so aloe is successfully used for purulent wounds, burns and other skin lesions. If drugs are used for intramuscular treatment, then there are a number of contraindications.