Blisters are usually caused by rubbing of the skin, which causes fluid to build up underneath the area. To prevent scar formation and infection, doctors and dermatologists advise against piercing the blister. But if you want to pierce it anyway, follow the instructions in this article to do it safely.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Decide whether to pierce the blister
Step 1. Consult your doctor
Doctors generally advise against piercing the blister because it acts as a cushion for damaged skin to keep it sterile. If you puncture the blister, you open up the infection.
Step 2. Consider all the circumstances
Ask yourself if you are doing the right thing to pierce the blister in this situation.
- Where exactly is the blister located? It is generally safer to pierce a blister on the foot than a cold sore on the lip or mouth. Herpes and blisters in the mouth need a doctor's examination.
- Is he infected? If yellow pus is released from the blister, it means that an infection has got into it and you need to see a doctor.
- Does the blister interfere with daily life? For example, does it interfere with your walking? If so, and it can be pierced safely, then do so.
Step 3. Do not pierce a blister that is caused by sunburn or other burns
With a second-degree burn, a blister may appear on the skin, and this is a fairly serious reason to seek medical attention. Do not pierce blisters caused by sunburn, as they protect the skin that is recovering from the burn. Seek medical attention and protect your skin from the sun while it heals.
Second-degree burns - such as those that cause blisters - should be treated with extreme caution using prescription burn ointments. See your doctor for a prescription and learn how to manage sunburn blisters
Step 4. Don't touch the blister
Bloody blisters, sometimes called colorful petechiae, are caused by rupture of blood vessels under the epidermis and appear as red, purple, or black patches under the skin. Friction of areas with bony ridges (for example, the back of the heel) damages blood vessels, allowing blood to enter the skin.
Bloody blisters indicate deeper damage. They usually go away on their own, but some can be confused with melanoma, so if you're not sure what it is, make an appointment with your doctor
Part 2 of 3: Prepare to Pierce the Blister
Step 1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap
Lather your hands for 20 seconds and then rinse them with water.
Use regular, unscented soap. This will help prevent inflammation of the blister from contact with chemical irritants and prevent bacteria from transferring from your hands to delicate skin when the blister bursts
Step 2. Wash the blister with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or antiseptic
- An antiseptic such as Betadine can be bought at any pharmacy. Handle it with care, however, as it can stain your skin, clothing, and other surfaces.
- Gently apply Betadine or rubbing alcohol to the blister and surrounding skin. If you choose to wash the area with soap and water, use regular unscented soap, lather your hands and gently wash the wound so that the blister does not burst, then rinse the skin thoroughly.
Step 3. Prepare a needle or blade
For this purpose, it is best to use a disposable sterile needle or scalpel, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- If you decide to use a sewing needle from home, soak it in rubbing alcohol first.
- Do not heat a needle or blade directly over a flame, as carbon particles are released from it, which can irritate and worsen infection.
Part 3 of 3: Pierce the blister
Step 1. Pierce the side of the blister
Pierce the blister in 2-3 places so that the liquid will drain out of it. To do this, pierce the blister on both sides, at the bottom edge.
Do not try to pass the needle through the entire blister, as this will only increase the chance of infection
Step 2. Drain the fluid
Allow the contents of the blister to drain naturally under the influence of gravity, or lightly press on the side where the puncture was made so that all the liquid flows out of the hole.
Don't press too hard or rupture the blister to drain the liquid faster, or you will damage your skin
Step 3. Do not pull off the skin
Tearing off dead skin that used to be a blister can irritate the surrounding healthy skin and expose the affected area to infections. Simply wash the area with soap and water or an antiseptic, then apply a bandage.
Step 4. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage the wound to prevent bacteria from entering and relieve pressure on the wound
- Apply the ointment and change the bandage every day until the skin is completely healed (which can take about a week).
- If you're not worried about an infection, apply petroleum jelly or Aquaphor ointment to the wound instead of antibiotic ointment.
Step 5. Soak the affected area from time to time, whether on the body, arms or legs, after piercing the blister
Epsom salts will help remove liquid. For the next few days, soak your feet in warm water with half a cup (150 g) of Epsom salts, or take an Epsom salt bath for 20 minutes each day.
Step 6. Watch out for signs of infection
Increased pus, increased pain, swelling, or redness may indicate an infection. In this case, you should see your doctor and start taking antibiotics.
- Increased swelling and redness around the blister may indicate an infection. In addition, the body temperature can rise above 37 ° C. If the surrounding skin hurts more than the blister itself, and you have these symptoms, then it is likely that you have an infection.
- Pus is a yellow discharge oozing from an infected area. If this yellow fluid is leaking from a blister or puncture, you should see your doctor as it could indicate an infection.
Step 7. Prevent blistering
Do not apply pressure to areas with bony ridges. Use silicone patches to protect the corns (with hole) if necessary. If you are a jogger, you should consider buying a comfortable new pair of shoes or socks to reduce friction and control sweating.
If you are a rower, wear gloves specifically designed for water sports, buy a paddle handle, or cover it with adhesive tape to reduce friction
Warnings
Some blisters are the result of a medical condition such as pemphigus, pemphigoid, or an infection such as bullous impetigo. If blisters begin to appear on the body for no apparent reason, there are a lot of them, or they constantly come back, seek medical attention
Advice
- To prevent infection, keep sterile (hands, needles, work area and area around the blister).
- Make sure the needle is clean before piercing the blister to prevent infection.
- Ask your doctor, dermatologist, or nurse practitioner for help to drain the blister with a sterile needle. This is especially useful if the blisters are very large.