How to get rid of blisters (After a burn)

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.

Tomatoes are also effective in curing the burning sensation that is caused by blisters and promoting faster healing. 

What to do:

1. Mix some tomato paste and tomato juice.
2. Put some buttermilk in there and mix it all well.
3. Apply this remedy on the blisters and keep it there for minimum 30 minutes.
4. Wash the affected area with cold water. 

Aloe Vera is a well-known healing plant that can really help you get rid of blisters.

What to do:

1. Make sure that the area around blister is clean.
2. Apply some Aloe Vera gel to the area around blister (if the blister already open) or directly (if it is still intact).
3. Leave the area uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes until the gel is fully absorbed.
4. Rinse it off with warm water.
5. After that, you can use a moleskin pad.

Remember not to use Aloe Vera in treating the blister for more than 10 consecutive days as its long-term usage lessen the healing effect. If your blister hasn't disappeared after 10 days, make a break for 5 days and then resume the treatment.

Aloe Vera gel can be extracted from the plant. You'll just need to simply break off the end of one fleshy, succulent leaf and there will be lots of gel.

You can also purchase Aloe Vera gel in any store or online.

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.

Tea tree oil will help you get rid of blisters due to its antibacterial and astringent properties. It can even reduce the risk of an infection. 

What to do:

1. Mix 1 part tea tree oil with 3 parts of any kind of vegetable oil or simply plain water.
2. Use a cotton ball or a piece of cloth to apply this solution on the affected area.
3. Wait for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off with cold water.
4. Repeat this procedure 2 or 3 times a day for a few days.

Tea tree oil can be purchased in most stores as well as online.

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.

Turmeric will help you in alleviating pain and inflammation, as well as preventing infection.

What to do: 

1. Start by mixing half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with as much water or pure rose water so as to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste on the blister, let it be for 10 -15 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with warm water. 
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day for a few days.
5. To facilitate the heeling, drink a glass of warm turmeric milk daily before going to bed. 

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.

Hydrocolloid dressings are a great help specifically designed to prevent and treat blisters. They are very much like a second skin. The dressings create a cushion which gels to promote healing and act as  shock absorbers. 

You need to place hydrocolloid dressing on a blister according to the manual and leave them in place until they fall off by themselves.

In order to bring down the itching and sense of irritation to apply a calamine lotion on the blister and allow it to dry. Leave it there until the itching stops. 

The calamine lotion's dryness will mask the action of the virus and simultaneously stop the itching. Moreover, calamine can also prevent the blister from breaking.

Some blisters can be treated with the application of lavender oil directly on the blister. 

What to do:

1. Make sure that the affected area is clean. 
2. Apply lavender oil to affected area. If you keep applying undiluted oil every 1-2 hours to the affected area, you will experience a reduction of pain and prevent infection.
3. In case your skin is sensitive or the blisters are large, first, mix 10-20 drops of lavender oil with 1 ounce of carrier oil (e.g. almond, coconut or jojoba). Apply the mixture to clean skin 3-5 times a day. If you can, leave the affected area uncovered for as long as possible for facilitating cell rejuvenation. 
4. If you have blisters on feet or hands, take a Q-tip and apply lavender oil to cover only the blister. Then apply a Band-Aid to avoid infection.  

Calendula cream is a product made from marigold that has great anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities as well as the ability to improve blood flow to the affected area.

What to do:

1. Apply calendula cream on the affected area so as to create a thin protective layer.
2. Cover it with an adhesive plaster or a gauze pad to keep the blister clean. 
3. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day.
4. When you go to sleep, remove the bandage in order to expose the blistered area and allow it to dry.

Using a paste out of potatoes in treating sunburn blisters is going to speed up the healing process. Potato is effective due to the starch present in potato, which  will soothe the skin and provide relief from pain. 

What to do:

1. Take a potato and cut it into thin slices. Put these slices into a blender and make a paste. Apply the paste on the blisters and wait for the mass to dry. Wash the affected area with cold water.
2. Put these slices into a blender and make a paste. Apply the paste on the blisters and wait for the mass to dry. Wash the affected area with cold water.
3. Apply the paste on the blisters and wait for the mass to dry. Wash the affected area with cold water.
4. Wash the affected area with cold water.
5. Repeat the procedure every day to heal the blisters. 

Honey can be used to cure all kinds of skin problems. It also prevents the formation of infections near the blisters. 

What to do:

1. Take some honey and apply it in an even and thick layer on the blisters and area around it.
2. Wait for several minutes.
3. Wash the area with cold water. 

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.

Witch hazel will help you to dry out a blister, keeping it clean and helping it heal. It is important to use a clean cotton ball while applying the witch hazel to a blister.

Grind oatmeal until it has a form of powder. Add 1-2 cups into a tub full of warm water or cool water (for sunburn blisters).

What to do:

1. Soak the affected area in the mixture for 20 minutes. If there is just one or two on the face, neck, shoulders, apply the paste out of oatmeal and water directly on the blister.
2. Let it be there for half an hour.
3. Wash it off with water of room temperature. 

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.

Both turmeric and honey have antibacterial and healing properties necessary to facilitate better healing. Mix turmeric and honey together and place the mixture on the blister. 

Baking soda is an alkaline is known to soothe the skin and relieve itching.

The simplest way to use baking soda in treating blisters is to run a bath with tepid water, add a quarter cup of baking soda. Mix it together carefully and soak the affected area in it for 15-20 minutes. 

In case you cannot bear itching any longer, you can mix a teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of water. Then add the mixture on the affected area. 

You can also make a paste using baking soda and vinegar and apply it before bed in order to speed up the recovery. However, do not use baking soda if you have open (popped) blisters.

This remedy has proven to be extremely effective, especially in the case of burn blisters. This will help the blister to compress and heal.

What to do:

1. Add some salt to the ice cold water.
2. Soak a clean cloth in this mixture.
3. Put the cloth on the blister and let it be there for some time. 
4.  Repeat a couple of times a day.

Buttermilk can be used externally as well as internally. It has an impressive cooling and soothing properties. If you don't have actual buttermilk around, take one cup of yoghurt and one cup of water and make a thin liquid. Apply the mixture to the blistered skin. 

Additionally, you can drink the mix by adding a bit of salt to it. This will help you to cool your body from within.

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.

It is highly advisable not to drain or pop a blister, especially if you want to do it on your own. If your blister is not huge or overly painful, refrain from doing it.

Do not drain a blister of any size if you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, as the risk of infection is too high. Another serious reason to refrain from self-draining is if you think that a blister might be from a contagious disease, e.g. chickenpox because the virus can be spread to another person.

Consider asking for a doctor's assistance. However, if you have none of the conditions mentioned above and still want to pop that blister be sure to it right.

What to do:

1. Check for potential signs of infection before touching a blister (the blister may be secreting yellow or green pus, the area becomes increasingly swollen or inflamed). If there are, call the doctor, if not - continue.
2. Wash your hands. Be generous with the water and soap! Clean the blister. Use a clean swab with water and soap. Refrain from using alcohol or iodine. Sterilize a needle or a pin with alcohol and a clean swab or pad.
3. Stay calm, try not to make any jerky movements. Make sure that all your movements are precise. Puncture the side of the blister in several spots. Puncture the blister in a few spots, preferably those, which are close to the blister’s edge. Soak up the draining excessive fluid with a clean piece of cotton or gauze.
4. Apply antibiotic ointment. Then put gauze or an adhesive bandage or both over the area (focus on your feelings at the moment). Secure the gauze with medical tape. Wait for 2-3 days. Change the bandage at least once a day or anytime it gets dirty. 
5. After 2-3 days, cut away and remove the dead skin (do that with sterilized scissors or tweezers). Make sure that the area is clean. Apply more antibiotic ointment and bandage again until healed.

Burn blisters on hands require special treatment, and they might swell and be painful. Treating them quickly and in the correct way will speed up the healing.

What to do:

1. Soak the entire hand in the cool (not ice cold) water for 5-20 minutes. The cool water will remove the heat and debris from the burn. However, if the blisters ruptured, skip soaking.
2. Wrap the blisters in sterile gauze in order to protect the area and keep it clean. Avoid applying direct pressure and tightly putting the gauze on. Instead, tie it loosely or tape the ends. Do not use any adhesive directly on a burn.
3. Take an over-the-counter medication for pain, e.g. ibuprofen. Let the burn blisters be for 24 hours. Be careful while using the burned hand in order to avoid opening the blisters.
4. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap, avoiding the burned area so as not to pass the bacteria to the burn. Remove the gauze. If it sticks to the skin, soak it in water first. Check for any signs of infection such as swelling, redness and fever.
5. Gently clean the blistered skin with water. Apply an antibiotic ointment onto the area. Bandage the affected area with gauze again. Continue to check it every day for infection.