Blisters are unwelcome injuries caused by chafing.. Perhaps the most common cause of blisters is constant chafing from footwear, although there are also other cases such as burn or frostbite injuries.
Fortunately, blisters are not a serious injury. However, there are a number of tips and tricks on how to cure blisters, which can cause real discomfort or even infection.
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10 basic tips to know how to cure blisters.
The first question when a blister appears is whether or not to do something to make it heal.. If the area is going to receive pressure, it is advisable to cover it again, although it is recommended that the wound transpire.
It is possible to help blisters heal, but this must be done carefully and gently so as not to further damage the skin and cause a bigger problem. Below are the basic tips and tricks on how to heal blisters.
1. Wash
The first thing to do when a blister appears is to wash it.. In most cases, blisters heal and disappear without much intervention, but it is necessary to keep the area clean and disinfected.
It is enough to wash the area with warm water and soap, and always after washing your hands first. Infection of the wound must be avoided at all costs, so do not touch the blister with dirty hands. If the blister is kept disinfected, it will disappear more quickly and without leaving a trace.
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2. Do not burst the ampoule
One of the main recommendations is not to burst the ampoule.. Although the temptation is great, it is best not to do it. When the wound is opened, the probability of infection is much higher, and it is easy for the wound to become dirty.
If it is touched and manipulated, it must be washed and dried thoroughly. It has to be done very gently to avoid opening the blister at all times and causing the fluid to leak out. Simply leave it clean and do not handle it any further.
3. Covering the blister
After washing the area, it is advisable to cover the blister if it is going to receive pressure.. You can put a bandage or one of the special adhesive tapes sold in pharmacies. These contain zinc oxide, which helps prevent infection.
However, care must be taken to ensure that the area is dry first. First wash and then dry or let the skin dry by itself, as a mistake could lead to infection.
4. Apply cold
If the blister is painful, cold can be applied to mitigate the discomfort.. For this a little ice will be enough, just be careful not to apply it directly on the wound.
It is best to wrap an ice cube in a plastic bag and press gently. You must be very careful not to let moisture get into the wound or that the material with which it was covered does not get wet.* You may be interested in: “Types of gemstones: properties and how to use them”.
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5. Monitor for changes
Although they are usually harmless and heal on their own, it is advisable to watch for changes in the blister.. To avoid any further problems, be vigilant that the skin does not show signs of infection or any abnormality in the area.
If necessary, an antiseptic can be applied. This will further reduce the possibility of developing an infection, which can be even more annoying and painful.
6. Draining the fluid
When the blister is very large, it can be opened.. From 3 cm in diameter it causes a lot of pain, so it can be opened after washing the area with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. With a sterile needle should be punctured and squeezed so that the liquid comes out.
Once the ampoule is empty, iodine is applied to avoid infection and it is covered again with gauze. It is better to cover it for a few hours and then uncover it again to allow it to oxygenate.
7, Do not peel off the skin
The best way to avoid damage is not to tear off the skin of the blister.. This skin falls off by itself and does not need to be pulled off, and in some areas it can be worse. It can still be very adherent and manipulating it can create more injury and cause pain.
It is common to want to pull it off, but this is usually a mistake. It is useful as a protective layer until the new skin is born. Dead skin does not cause any problems as long as it is clean.
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8. Go to the doctor
There are cases in which it is best to go to the doctor.. A blister heals by itself, but sometimes it is necessary to have the area examined by a specialist to avoid major problems.
The following signs are negative and a visit to the doctor may be recommended:
- Temperature increase
- Excessive redness
- White fluid from the blister
- Very intense pain
- Foul odor
- Blood with deep lesion
9. Wear comfortable shoes
Preventing blisters from appearing or worsening is very simple.. It is necessary to wear comfortable shoes and to use socks of natural fibers. When doing any exercise such as running or walking a lot, help to reduce the friction that causes blisters.
Applying talcum powder or petroleum jelly to the foot is also a good idea. Walking or running can affect the evolution of the blister. Walking should be stopped as soon as it starts to burn to prevent the sore from getting worse.
10. Home remedies to help
Some home remedies can help reduce the pain.. One example is to soak the feet in hot water with salt or gently rub a garlic on the affected area. This disinfects the blister.
Aloe vera gel can also help heal and bring relief, while applying apple cider vinegar is good for its antibiotic properties. It is important to remember that any manipulation should be done with clean hands.
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