Blisters – how to treat them

Find out what causes blisters, how to help them heal, and when to see a doctor.


What are the symptoms of a blister?

What causes blisters and who is affected?

Self-care tips for blisters

When to see a doctor and getting treatment

How to prevent blisters

Blisters are common and painful skin injuries, often caused by friction, burns, or infections. Find out what they look like, how to treat them safely, and when to see a doctor.

Often shaped like a circle, a blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms on your skin. It’s usually filled with clear liquid, but it may also contain blood or pus. 

Blisters usually appear on areas of skin that are prone to pressure or rubbing – like your feet, hands, heels, or fingers, but they can show up anywhere on your body. 

A blister forms to protect damaged skin and allows it to heal beneath the fluid-filled layer. 

## What are the symptoms of a blister?
You’ll usually notice a blister by how it looks and feels. It might be: 
- a tingling, burning, or itchy spot 
- a raised area that’s sore, painful, or sensitive to touch 
- a bubble filled with clear, red, or yellowish fluid.

Once formed, it can feel painful – especially if it’s in a spot you use or need to put pressure on, like your feet when walking.


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## What causes blisters and who is affected?
Blisters happen when the upper layer of your skin (epidermis) is damaged and separates from the layers beneath, allowing fluid to fill the space. 

This fluid is called serum and it comes from nearby tissues as a response to skin that’s become injured in some way. 

Blood blisters happen when your skin becomes pinched by something, and blood enters the area from broken blood vessels.

There are a few different reasons why blisters develop, such as:
- __friction__ – from shoes that don’t fit properly (such as your heel rubbing against your shoe), or repeated movement, for example from working with tools or playing an instrument 
- __burns__ – from heat, steam, sun, or chemicals
- __cold__ – exposure to freezing temperatures can cause frostbite blisters
- __infections__ – like cold sores (herpes), chickenpox, or impetigo
- __allergic reactions__ – for example, from touching a poisonous plant
- __skin conditions__ – such as [eczema](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/eczema-atopic) or dyshidrosis (a type of eczema that causes tiny blisters on hands or feet).

Blisters can happen to anyone, but you’re more at risk of them if you: 
- __are a runner, hiker, or an athlete__ – due to friction and sweat 
- __are a manual worker__ – especially those using tools repeatedly 
- __have a skin conditions__ – like eczema or allergies
- __have [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes) or a weakened immune system__ – you may get more serious or slow-healing blisters for this reason. 


## Self-care tips for blisters
Looking after your blister at home, including keeping it clean, dry, and protected, is often all that’s needed for it to heal – and most should clear up within a week. 

To aid the healing process you can:
- __wash it__ with mild soap and water and pat it gently to keep it clean and dry
- __apply a cold compress__ if it’s swollen or sore
- __use blister plasters or cushioned dressings__ to reduce pressure (a pharmacist can help) 
- __avoid popping the blister yourself__ – it will increase the chance of infection
- __if your blister bursts on its own__ then let fluid drain before you cover it with a plaster or sterile dressing
- __avoid peeling away any skin on or around a blister__ – allow your body to heal the area naturally 
- __take over-the-counter pain relief__, like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen, if you need to (but avoid NSAIDs if they upset your stomach).


## When to see a doctor and getting treatment
Most blisters heal on their own, but in some cases it’s better to get medical advice. 
See a doctor if your blister: 
- looks infected – it’s red, hot, swollen, filled with pus, or you have a fever 
- is very painful, large, or keeps coming back
- was caused by a burn or chemical
- is in an unusual place, for example your face, genitals, or inside your mouth.

You should also see a doctor if you have a blister and diabetes, or a weakened immune system.

An infected blister can lead to an infection of your skin or blood so it’s vital to get this treated. 

If you have a medical condition or your blister is large or infected, your doctor might: 
- prescribe topical antibiotics to kill infection
- burst and drain the blister for you using a sterilized needle
- work with you to treat the underlying condition that’s causing your blisters.


## How to prevent blisters
Blisters aren’t completely avoidable, but you can lower your risk of getting them by: 
- __wearing shoes that fit well__– especially when walking or exercising, and breaking new footwear in gradually
- __using moisture-wicking socks__ – to keep your feet dry
- __wearing sunscreen__ – to protect yourself from sunburn
- a__pplying talcum powder or antiperspirant__ – to reduce sweating and friction
- __wearing gloves__ – if you use tools or manual equipment.

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References

Amelia Glean

Jo Wheatley

Dr Tamer T Malak

Article information

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