How to Get Rid of Blisters

Blisters are painful swellings of the skin that are filled with a clear liquid. When the skin gets injured due to friction or pressure then fluid collects in between the epidermis and the lower layers of the skin. This clear liquid is the serum that is secreted by the tissues surrounding the affected area. It protects the underlying tissues as the new skin forms. In certain cases the blister may be filled with blood and forms what is known as blood blisters. In case the blister gets infected, it may also get filled with pus. Blisters due to friction, pressure or chemical exposure are very common. Some people who have sensitive skin are very prone to have blisters. Hence it is important that each one of us knows how to get rid of them.

Causes
The most common factor that results in blisters is friction which generally affects hands and feet. Repeated rubbing or constant pressure on the skin causes tear in the epidermis. The result is that this layer separates from the dermis below it and the space created is filled with a protective fluid which helps in the natural healing process. Other than this, irritation due to burns and sunburns (which cause heat blisters), allergies, infections and certain medications may also cause blisters. Sometimes certain diseases, specially those of the skin and fever may also result in formation of blisters.

Remedies
Those who have had blisters earlier, must be aware of the fact that getting rid of blisters is a test of one's patience. We are told not to puncture the swelling, but it is so difficult to resist the itching. Nevertheless, once we have it, we have to be sure that proper care is taken of these blister to avoid contracting infection.

The best way to treat the blister is to let it be. As the new skin is formed below, the fluid will be reabsorbed into the skin. This might not be the answer that people, who want to know how to get rid of blisters fast, are looking for. Nevertheless this is the safest way for healing blisters. This is usually done when the blister is small and does not cause discomfort while carrying out everyday tasks. So, all that you need to do is take care of the blister so that it can heal naturally. For this, ensure that the blister is dry and cover it up with a bandage. A corn pad could also be used over the blister. Cover it up with a cotton gauze to avoid pressure on the blisters on skin. In case of blisters on feet avoid footwear that would cover or put pressure on the affected part.

Despite all the care, blisters do pop at times. In case it does, it is important to wash the area with a mild soap. Apply some antiseptic cream and cover it up with a clean bandage. Even if the blister does pop, do not try to peel off the remaining skin. Just clean the area everyday as instructed, put some antiseptic cream and cover it up to avoid exposure to germs.

In certain cases it does become important to drain a blister. In case the blisters are caused due to severe burns (third degree or fourth degree burns) then a doctor himself may burst the blisters. Nevertheless sometimes people burst the blisters themselves in case it causes discomfort. Although I strongly recommend to avoid such an action, for those who have to do it, here is the safest way to go about it:

• Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or an antibacterial soap.
• The next step is to puncture the blister. It is best to use a syringe with a sterilized needle. However, many use a pin or a safety pin. If you are not using a syringe then sterilize the pin by holding it over the flame till it starts glowing. Let it cool and then use it for popping the blister.
• Insert the pin somewhere at the base of the blister. Gently press the blister to drain out the liquid. In case you are using a sterilized syringe, then pull the plunger back so that the needle drains out the fluid. Ensure that all the fluid has been drained out of the blister and the skin covering it is intact as this reduces the chance of infection.
• Put some antibiotic cream and cover it up with a clean, dry bandage.

This was all about blisters and the cure for them. However, people may get blisters in the mouth as well, treatment options for which are different from those discussed in this article. Those who want to know how to get rid of blisters in mouth will find useful information in blisters in mouth. Despite knowing ways to treat blisters, one can reduce the occurrence of blisters, at least on hands and feet considerably by wearing well fitting shoes and using protective gloves while doing work that involves severe friction.