A blister is a raised, fluid-filled skin irritation resulting from a burn or friction caused by shoes, clothing or another surface. Caring for blisters is important so the blister doesn't become infected. While most blisters clear up on their own over time, you can clear up a blister at home when it is painful or irritating.
Instructions
1. Always wash hands before treating a blister so germs can't get into the open wound.
Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap to remove infection-causing bacteria that could transfer to the skin beneath the blister. Dry hands with a clean towel.
2. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and wash the blistered skin with the rubbing alcohol. Wipe an unused sewing needle with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it.
3. Press the tip of the needle into the blister near the outer edge. Poke two or three small holes in the edge of the blister so the fluid can drain out. Blot at the blister with a facial tissue to wick up the fluid from the blister.
4. A bandage protects the blister once it's been drained.
Squeeze some antibiotic ointment onto the blister and place a bandage over the drained blister to keep dirt and germs out. Change the bandage and add more antibiotic ointment to the site of the blister at least once each day for three to five days.
5. Pour rubbing alcohol over the tips of a pair of nail scissors to sterilize. Trim away the dead skin from the site of the blister using the nail scissors. Use caution so not to cut the healthy skin.
6. Dab antibiotic ointment on the open wound and protect it by placing a bandage over the skin. Continue to use ointment and bandages until the skin heals.
Tags: rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, bandage over, hands with, nail scissors