by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: July 13, 2007

Some would say the best treament for blisters would be avoiding them. It's a correct and true statement, but as the title suggests this is how to treat blisters. We assume someone who needs this advice has passed the avoidence part of treating a blister. Now you have a blister. What do to?

You would think something as common as a blister would be an easy thing to treat. However, it seems to be a very divided subject. Some experts suggest the pop and drain method while others prefer the clean, cover and wait. Apparently some take this argument fairly seriously. So in fairness to the debate we will examine both methods and give you the tools to treat your blister as you see fit.

First wash your hands with disinfectant soap and water. If you have latex gloves you can put them on over your washed hands. Clean around the site of blister. You can use disinfectant soap or any of the common antibacterial gel work as well.

If you are of the persuasion to pop or drain the blister you will need a needle, scalpel or a knife. Most of us can get a hold of the needle and it seems the most practical. This tool needs to be sterilized. You can heat the tool until it glows red and allow it to cool. Or the more practical option seems to be to soak it for at least three minutes in a disinfectant solution.

Make a small incision or poke at the base of the blister. Make sure you leave the roof of the blister attached so the skin stays protecting the area. Use you finger to gently push the fluid out. Cover the area with bacitacin or polysprin to help prevent infection. Continue to watch the area for signs of infection. These could be redness or red streaks coming from the area. It may also become warm and swell.

Now the other side of the coin. If you are a believer of not popping the blister you want to clean the wound in the same manner. You can use a cold pack or ice pack to reduce the swelling and pressure. Keep it clean and dry and you can pit ointment on it as well.

However you choose to treat it, watch for infection and seek medical help if signs of infection appear.

Now if you are looking for advice to avoid the next blister. Clean and well fitting shoes are a great start. The most common cause of a blister on the foot is friction so avoid that.

Sources:
www.webmd.com/skin-problems
www.utahmouo ntainbiking.com
www.mayoclinic.com/health

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