Blisters are a superficial ball of fluid-filled skin which occurs when the top layer of skin is repeatedly rubbed. One of the best remedies for blisters is to allow them to heal on their own. When this is not possible, other remedies for blisters include draining the blister or practicing blister prevention methods.
One of the best remedies for blisters is to leave it alone and use several tricks to better tolerate the discomfort while the blister heals. Moleskin can be used to create a protective pad by cutting a blister-size hole in the moleskin and placing the hole over the blister. The moleskin should be changed daily. Blistered feet or hands can be soaked in an Epsom salt bath to draw some of the fluid out of the blister and promote healing. An Epsom salt bath can be made with one quarter of a cup of Epsom salt in one gallon of very warm water.
The blister’s location and size often prohibit a person from leaving it alone and forcing treatment, and when this is the case, one of the best remedies for blisters is to puncture the blister and drain the fluid. The first step is to clean the area with warm soapy water and gently dry the skin. Both the surface of the blister and a needle can be sterilized with alcohol, and then a few small puncture holes can be made at the base of the blister. After draining, the blister sufferer should gently rewash the area, taking care to preserving the overlying skin on the blister, and then cover the blister with an antibiotic cream and a bandage. The blister should be carefully watched for several days for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, and heat and a doctor should be seen if an infection is observed.
Some people are more prone to develop blisters, and when this is the case prevention is really one of the best remedies for blisters. To prevent hand blisters, a worker should wear a good pair of work gloves, especially when doing repetitive work, such as shoveling or raking. Properly fitting shoes that are loose enough to provide room for the toes to wiggle and tight enough to prevent the heel from rubbing on the back of the shoe is important to prevent foot blisters. New shoes should be broken in gradually. If walking a long distance, the walker should bring a change of dry socks and cover any blister-prone areas with a lubricant or special blister-preventing bandage.
