Blisters are a common occurrence, whether you’re a runner, play sports or love to walk. Even wearing the wrong heels to a wedding can cause painful blisters. Blisters are caused by the skin’s response to intense friction or heat, and they actually give your skin time to heal. Because of this, in most cases, it’s best not to pop or drain them. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that can alleviate pain and speed up healing. Check out how to get rid of a blister fast, with 7 smart tips!
What Are Blisters?
Blisters are small bubbles filled with fluid that form on the skin after it’s been injured or damaged. Blisters can form anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands and feet. Your skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous (below the skin) fat. A blister forms under the epidermis, and is typically filled with clear liquid or blood, depending on the injury you had. Blisters may be painful or itchy, and if they become infected, they fill with milky white pus.
What Causes Blisters?
Blisters form when something, such as too-tight shoes or a baseball glove, repeatedly rubs against your skin. Many people get blisters from walking too long in new shoes or not wearing socks. You can also get blisters from burns, sunburns or frostbite. Blistering skin is part of a second degree burn.
Allergic reactions, viral infections (such as herpes, shingles or chickenpox), and bacterial infections can also cause blisters. Blood blisters are another type of blister that look like a friction blister, but are filled with blood instead of clear fluid. You get blood blisters when something pinches your skin and blood flows to the area from broken blood vessels and damage to the lower layers of skin.
4 Tips to Prevent Blisters
1. Wear Shoes That Fit
Shoes are often the source of blisters, so get shoes that fit well. Your heel shouldn’t be slipping and your toes shouldn’t be rubbing against the front of the shoe. Your shoes should have a finger’s width of space between the end of the toe and the end of your shoe. Your shoes should also have the proper width for your foot to avoid discomfort.
2. Wear Socks
If you don’t wear socks with your shoes, you’re likely going to get blisters. Invest in moisture-wicking socks that keep your feet dry. Materials like cotton retain sweat, which softens your skin and makes it prone to breaking and blistering with friction.
3. Break in Your Shoes
If you just bought new shoes, you’re going to want to break them in before going on a long walk or run. Take it slow and only go on short walks with new shoes until you break them in. You can also wear them around your house, walking up stairs and bending and twisting to reduce stiffness. Take them off before they start hurting to prevent blisters.
4. Cover Areas Prone to Blisters
If you know certain areas of your feet or hands are prone to blisters during certain activities, make sure to protect those areas. Cover them with bandages or sports tape prior to any activity you’re doing.
How to Get Rid of a Blister Fast
1. Drain, If Necessary
You want to avoid popping or draining your blister as this can lead to infection. However, if your blister is large or in an inconvenient place, you may find it necessary to drain your blister to reduce discomfort. If you’re going to do this, make sure to first wash your hands with soap and warm water. Sterilize a small needle with rubbing alcohol, then use the needle to carefully pierce one edge of the blister, which will allow the blister to drain. Once it’s drained, apply an ointment like petroleum jelly and cover with a bandage or gauze.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may promote wound healing. Green tea extract has been found to reduce wound pain and speed up healing. Mix green tea extract with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and apply it directly to your blister. You can also steep a green tea bag and place it on your blister after running it under cold water.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is known for its healing properties, which makes it a great option for blisters. It’s been found that aloe vera gel can reduce inflammation, increase collagen production and stimulate cellular regeneration, which can lead to more efficient wound healing. Aloe vera also works great on burns and can be used on blisters from a minor burn or sunburn. You can apply pure aloe vera gel directly to the blister, and if you’re using it on blisters from a sunburn, keep the aloe vera in the refrigerator for added relief.
4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the risk of infection and speed up healing. It’s also a natural astringent, which will help dry out the blister. This is particularly effective if the blister has already been popped or drained. Keep in mind, it will sting! Mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil and apply it directly to your skin. You can also dilute tea tree oil with water and use it as an antibacterial wash.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that hydrates the skin and limits inflammation. Coconut oil helps repair your skin tissue so it grows back healthier and increases wound healing. Soak a cotton ball into melted coconut oil and apply it over the blister to amp up skin healing.
6. Vaseline
Vaseline can be a great remedy to both prevent and treat blisters. It’s particularly useful for blisters that have burst or been cracked open. If this happens, don’t rip off any skin that has become partially detached- apply Vaseline over the entire area. Be sure to cover it with padding to keep bacteria out. This will promote healing and get you back to yourself quickly!
7. Cover It Up
You want to protect your blister to keep it from popping. Popping a blister that’s not ready to pop can cause a lot of pain and increase the amount of time it takes your blister to heal. Try to reduce any friction around the area with the blister as much as possible. You can also cover your blister with a cushioned adhesive bandage or some gauze secured with tape if you’re not able to avoid friction.
Blisters are painful and irritating, but you can use these home remedies to get rid of them quickly!
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