Blisters often heal on their own without treatment. New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid is simply reabsorbed. The fluid-filled blister keeps the underlying skin clean, which prevents infection and promotes healing. Applying a cold or ice pack may temporarily help reduce swelling and discomfort. However, blisters can often be very painful so treating with a specialist blister plaster like COMPEED®, can help because the cushioning relieves the pressure which reduces the pain.
The primary goals of treatment should be to prevent expansion of the lesion, reduce discomfort, promote healing, and prevent infection. Using a COMPEED® specialist blister plaster helps to create the optimal healing environment by absorbing excess fluid, helping to accelerate the body’s natural wound healing process.
The main objective is to keep the blister intact for as long as possible, because the skin provides a natural protection against infection. However, if pain persists or infection is suspected, a physician should be consulted.
Identify your blister’ stage
The first thing you’ll need to do is to identify which stage your blister is at. Take a close look at your blister roof. Is it intact, torn or deroofed?
If it is intact: In order to prevent further damage, you will need to reduce friction or rubbing on the blister. Gently clean the area and apply a plaster. It is recommended to apply specialist blister plaster (see diagram) as opposed to regular plasters. They will do a better job of protecting your blister because they securely seal the edge of the plaster to the skin which helps prevent painful rubbing. You will need to choose the right size of plasters and depending where your blister is located (toe, heel etc) you can also choose specially shaped plasters. Specialist blister plasters such as COMPEED®’s hydrocolloid gel-based plasters will provide better cushioning and thus, in addition to provide pain relief will effectively isolate, the blister from the source of friction.
If your blister is torn or deroofed: Your blister will need an antiseptic to prevent infection. If you don’t have access to an antiseptic, at least rinse your blister with saline (salty water) or clean running water. Once this is done, the best course of action is to cover the drained blister with a clean bandage. In this instance hydrocolloid plasters are particularly well-suited. Indeed they will provide you with a better cushioning, thus alleviating pain in this highly sensitive area. They will create a protective and moist environment which will allow for faster healing of the blister. These plasters interact with your exposed blister base to stimulate healing from the outside-in and furthermore, they are cushioned and waterproof, so are superior to regular plasters.
Should you drain/pop a blister?
Although it was common practice not so long ago, blister drainage is not recommended anymore because it can cause an infection. However, if a blister is large, painful or likely to be further irritated, it could be better to drain it in order to relieve pain or prevent accidental tearing of the roof. It is important to clean with wound with antiseptic or salt water to avoid infection. Once cleaned, using a COMPEED® Blister plaster will help to seal the wound to prevent the risk of further infection and help speed up the healing process.
If you are concerned regarding possible infection, please consult a doctor. The signs of infection to look out for are:
- Pus: yellowish and thicker than normal blister fluid;
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, warmth;
- Red streaks extending from the blister (seek medical attention).
