ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. Required fields are marked *. Then apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a nonstick bandage. Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as polymixin B or bacitracin. Friction blisters A blister that has popped, burst, or torn open can be messy and painful and requires some extra care to prevent infection. Wear gloves and other protective gear when doing manual labor. National Health Service (UK) Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? There are numerous brands of special blister cushion bandages that are padded to protect delicate skin. When draining a blister, try to the outer layer of skin mostly intact to help prevent infection and protect your skin. This will help prevent the spread of germs, which could cause an infection in the blister area. Heres how to drain a blister: If you notice any signs of infection or youre not sure of the cause of the blister, contact your healthcare provider to help determine if there are any underlying conditions causing the blister and to prescribe medication to treat any infections. Read more: What Are the Pros and Cons of Putting Chalk on Hands When Lifting Weights? Antibiotics should not be used if the wound is not infected. You will have a small round hole in the center that is the size of the area that is forming a blister. It can cause red, inflamed skin and . Disinfect the outside of the blister or blisters with alcohol or iodine to kill any bacteria. Apply this piece over the blister, positioning it so that the window is directly over the blister. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Chemicals that can cause blisters on the hand include: Several health conditions can cause blisters on the hands. A severe sunburn can also cause blisters. Read more: Hand Pain When Lifting Weights. Blisters on hands caused by burns or chemical exposures are temporary reactions to stimuli. Make the hole in the layer of skin that is on top of the fluid. Petroleum jelly is commonly recommended by dermatologists for many uses, including healing skin. Or you can dust the inside of your socks with foot powder. Preventing Blisters 1 Wear gloves when working with your hands. As long as a person does not pop the blister, new skin will develop beneath as the top skin naturally dries and peels off. Common over-the-counter antibacterial ointments and creams include Neosporin and triple antibiotic ointment, both of which contain neomycin, polymyxin, and bacitracin. information submitted for this request. Most of the time, they will resolve on their own within a couple of days. Infected friction blisters or erosions may require topical antibiotics or antiseptics for a few days. Her experience includes educating on a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, HIV, neurological conditions, and more. Antiperspirant, petroleum jelly or silicone lubrication, powders and topical skin adhesives have been advocated and may prove useful. chemical agents, such as mustard gas used in warfare, avoiding popping the blister to prevent infection, keeping the area clean and covered once the blister has drained. This article was co-authored by Anthony Stark, EMR. The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Treat Blisters. This protects the tissue from further damage and allows it to heal. The gap fills with fluid, forming a subepidermal bulla (blister). A few home remedies for blisters include aloe vera, green tea, tea tree oil, petroleum jelly, and coconut oil. There are several types of blisters that should never be drained. Doing basic first aid may prevent a large blister from forming. Cut a circle roughly the size of your blister in one of the pieces. Lotion or jelly reduces friction, even when you have your hands in gloves. Had too much fun on the monkey bars? Because we use our hands so much, if not properly treated, hand blisters can become infected. This article covers the different types of blisters and how to treat them. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, practice preventative measures to avoid blisters and immediate self-care if you do develop them. Dip your fingertips into petroleum jelly or a thick lotion and massage it onto the palms of your hands, especially at the base of your fingers. This means that a flexible, yet sturdy, pair of gloves are crucial. However, an individual may not know the cause unless they visit a healthcare provider. First, wash the area thoroughly. Here's how to drain a blister: Wash your hands and the skin around the blister with mild soap and warm water. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 427,259 times. Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Care-for-a-Burst-Blister-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-a-Burst-Blister-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Care-for-a-Burst-Blister-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1451210-v4-728px-Care-for-a-Burst-Blister-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"