How to get rid of blisters (Allergic reaction)

As soon as you have a blister that is causing discomfort, you can use a bandage. However, remember to do it in a clever way.

Keep in mind that exposing the blister to air seriously speeds the healing process. Besides, the blister and the area around it should be kept dry. That is why, if you need a bandage to walk, use a  doughnut-shaped moleskin pad or special blister bands (e.g. Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Adhesive Band-Aids, Spenco blister kit, the Pro-Tec Liquicell Blister Bands).

Before applying a bandage, make sure that the are is clean and use a sterile gauze pad to gently urge any excessive fluid out of the blister. You can also cover the area with antibiotic treatment.

If you don't have one of those around and need to hurry,  apply a usual bandage, but do so loosely by leaving the middle part of the bandage slightly raised up, as if making a tent with it. This way, you allow some air flow to the area.

Chamomile is a great means to ease the pain and swelling of a blister.

What to do:

1. Make a strong cup of chamomile tea either leaf tea or in tea bags.
2. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Dip a clean washcloth in the tea and wring out all the excess moisture. Or take a tea bag out and do the same.
4. Put the moist cloth/tea bag over the blister and keep it there for about 10 minutes.
5. Repeat a few times a day.

Ignored blisters can quickly get infected if they are not cleaned and drained.  That is why you have to be punctual with cleaning, sanitizing, and covering it loosely with bandages. If the blister bursts and becomes infected, secondary cellulitis or impetigo can take place and eventually lead to a long-term bacterial infection entering the bloodstream and sepsis.

You can do so by washing the affected area, draining the excessive fluids, applying means aimed at drying up the blister, and applying bandages.

If you want to be done with your blister as soon as possible or itching is beyond you, consider this method. 

What to do:

1. Soak a clean cloth in cold water and apply on the blisters.
2. Remember not to scratch the blisters especially if you use this treatment, as it can lead to infection. 
3. Using the cold cloth every day will first make the blisters less prominent and eventually help you get rid of it.

Excessive amounts of salt or sodium in the body may disrupt the moisture balance in the body. It is crucial to have normal moisture levels in your body in the healing of blisters. Sodium levels should be kept to 1500 milligrams or less per day.

At the same time, balanced nutrition and healthy food intake may aid in faster healing. Consume less salty foods (e.g. whole grains, fruits, and vegetables). It is also beneficial to avoid processed or fried goods.

Proteins are vital for healing any kind of wounds, including blisters. They get converted into energy serving which is later used as building blocks that are needed to heal and minimize scarring. 

Among the foods that are rich in protein are chicken, turkey, fish and other meat sources. Low-fat dairy products and eggs are also considered to be good sources of protein. Another great source of protein is certain plants (e.g. soy and soy products, beans, grains, nuts, seeds, rice). Note that the perfect daily protein intake is 0.8-1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight.

Using anti-bacterial ointments will make the healing much faster and prevent future bacterial infection. The ointment will also help the bandage you apply not to stick to the blister.

Apply anti-bacterial ointments (e.g. Neosporin, bacitracin ointments, etc.) on the affected area at least 3 times a day until the blister heals. However, do not apply more than the amount needed to simply cover the area. Then put loose, clean gauze or dressing on the blister and secure it with tape. 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) work by reducing hormones that create inflammation and pain in your body as well as hormones which trigger fever. Among these medications (all available over-the-counter) are Ibuprofen, Naproxen and many others.

Remember that medication is only necessary to reduce the symptoms and make you more comfortable, only anti-inflammatory medication will not heal the blister.

Cortisone creams contain a minimal amount of steroids that suppress the immune system's activity, thus, helping reduce the inflammation of the blister. These medication are usually available over the counter abd can be bought basically anywhere, including online stores.

Keep in mind that it is not advisable to use cortisone cream on children. Talk to your doctor beforehand for medical advice when it comes to acceptable treatments for babies or children.

Make sure that the area around the blister is clean. Gently apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the blister. This will help protect the blister from any additional friction, which is especially important if you have a blister on your feet or hands. 

You should contact your doctor if one or more of the following conditions apply:

• The blister might be infected (it looks like it is filled with yellow or green pus and may be painful, red and hot).
• The blister is painful.
• The Blister keep coming back.
• It occurs in unusual places (e.g. on your eyelids or inside your mouth).
• Your blisters are caused by severe sunburn, burns or scalds or an allergic reaction.

Cucumbers are a nice way to get rid of blisters because it contains an ingredient that helps reduce the swelling and inflammation.

What to do:

1. Make sure that the cucumber is cold, then slice it into pieces.
2. Apply the slice onto the blister and let it be for a few minutes.
3. Do this a several times a day for a few consecutive day.

When you take a shower, try to opt for water that is slightly cooler than lukewarm. Also, adjust the water flow to make it gentle enough to not increase your pain. If you can allow it yourself, try to shower as little as possible (or keep the blisters out of water) since the water pressure could pop the blisters, resulting in a potential infection, pain, or scarring. 

While drying off, use gentle and careful movements to pat the skin dry lightly instead of wiping or rubbing your towel, since those actions can lead to irritation.

Usage of salicylate drugs, including aspirin, benefit you in the following ways: 

First, as a pain reliever, second, as an antipyretic that reduces fever, and, third, as an anti-inflammatory drug reducing  inflammation and swelling. These three combined can alleviate the pain and improve the condition of your blister.

You can take as little as 75mg of aspirin a day. This dose will help your blister dry out and get better. However, you may take up to 600mg every 4 hours or as directed. Still, do not consume more than 3.6 g a day.