A blister is a bump that is filled with fluid that looks like a bubble. They are commonly formed due to repeated rubbing of the skin against a surface but they can also form when the skin is exposed to heat for an extended period of time. When the skin becomes damaged it starts to leak fluid which forms below the skin’s top layer.
In most cases a blister will heal on its own without any medical intervention. If you leave the blister alone it will begin the healing process and will decrease in size naturally. In order to stop the formation of another blister that has been caused by skin rubbing against something specific, such as the heel of a shoe, simply put on a Band-Aid or a sterile padded gauze for extra protection.
There are some times, however, when medical intervention may be required. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may need to seek out medical assistance:
- You believe that the blister may be infected
- It is extremely large or painful
- The blister keeps coming back
While many people believe that it’s a good idea to burst a blister with a needle, this simply should not be done. It can greatly increase the risk of an infection. The sack of liquid in the skin acts as a natural healing mechanism for the body and popping a blister can prolong the recovery time. The blister should be left as it is and washed gently with clean water and then covered with a Band-Aid or a gauze pad.
Learn more about first aid treatments for blisters and other common skin injuries by visiting our website at www.heart2heart.com. We offer first-aid and CPR courses that give you the information you need to treat mild, serious and life-threatening medical conditions.