Blisters

Should you pop a blister?

3.5 min read
Should you pop a blister? Should you pop a blister? Should you pop a blister?

When blisters appear, they can be sore, itchy and uncomfortable. So, should you pop blisters? The temptation to burst these fluid-filled bubbles can be a strong one. However, doing so can increase the risk of infection[1]. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to treat blisters — so resist the urge to pop!

  • Popping a blister can lead to it becoming infected
  • Using a blister cushion or bandage instead can provide better results
  • If a blister does burst, try to keep it clean

In this article:

  • Why you shouldn’t pop a blister
  • What if a blister pops?
  • Summary

Why you shouldn’t pop a blister

Popping a blister may seem like a simple solution but doing so means the skin will be more susceptible to germs. It’ll also likely be more painful as further friction is inevitable, and could lead to scarring[2]. In fact, bursting a blister will actually slow down the healing process. Left alone a blister will naturally heal on its own within three to seven days.

As blisters are sore and can affect day-to-day activities, one of the best and easiest ways of helping a friction blister and alleviating pain is by using a blister cushion[1].

The cushions will also help prevent further rubbing and remove excess moisture, enabling the blister to heal faster. Compeed blister cushions –provide instant pain relief – and come in a range of sizes that will allow you to go about daily activities, including sports, without worrying about damaging the blister even more. They provide an optimal healing environment with added cushioning, when compared to regular bandages[3].

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  • Provides instant pain relief
  • Absorb excess fluid
  • Forms a protective cushion
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What if a blister pops?

You can’t always prevent a blister from popping. If this happens, act as soon as you can to minimize the risk of infection.

If you’ve noticed the blister has burst, resist picking at the skin and instead, allow the liquid to drain. You should then follow these steps:

  1. Wash the area delicately with warm water.
  2. Dry off the area. With a regular bandage, you may wish to apply some antiseptic cream. With Compeed blister cushions, apply over the dry area.
  3. Cover the sore with a bandage. For better results, use a Compeed blister cushion to cover the bandage and support the healing process.

If a blister has burst, it’s important to watch out for signs of infection. These can include:

  • Redness, pain and swelling around the area
  • A high temperature
  • Pus oozing from the blister

If you experience any of the above or are concerned about infection, seek treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible.

Summary

Sometimes blisters are inevitable. The first line of defense against them is prevention using cushions to cover and protect. If one does occur, remember that it will likely go away naturally within a week. It’s best not to try to pop the blister and instead cover with a cushion pad to protect it from infection and help the blister heal. But if you simply can’t resist, cleanliness is key to avoiding infection.

Cécile Artus – Arduise
Cécile Artus – Arduise
Head of Medical Affairs at HRA Pharma
Cécile has worked with HRA for over 3 years, and has been working in pharmaceuticals since 2011. She studied at the Paris-Sud University attaining a Doctorate in Biology/Biological Sciences.

Sources

1

McVean A. Should I pop my blister? Office for Science and Society, 2020 https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health-you-asked/should-i-pop-my-blister

2

Kramer O. Can you safely pop a blister, 2019 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325893#

3

Artus-Arduise C. et al. Hydrocolloid blister plasters vs. standard plasters for foot blisters treatment in real life. Clin Res Trials, 2020, Volume 6: 1-7. ISSN: 2059-0377