Most blisters heal on their own. Home
treatment may help decrease pain, prevent infection, and help heal large or
broken blisters.
- A small, unbroken blister about the size of a pea, even a blood
blister, will usually heal on its own. Use a loose bandage to protect it.
Avoid the activity that caused the blister.
- If a small blister is on a weight-bearing area like the bottom of
the foot, protect it with a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad. Leave the
area over the blister open.
- If a blister is large and painful, it may be best to drain it. Here
is a safe method:
- Wipe a needle or straight pin with rubbing alcohol.
- Gently puncture the edge of the blister.
- Press the fluid in the blister toward the hole so it can drain out.
These Home remedies can relieve itching from blisters and help reduce redness and swelling
Remedies for Blisters
1. Aloe
Vera
Aloe vera is
a natural healer and hence very effective in treating foot blisters. It has
anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and swelling. It also
keeps the skin hydrated so it heals faster. Plus, it reduces the risk of
infection.
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the
blister and allow it to dry on its own. Rinse it off with warm water.
- Another option is to prepare a mixture
with equal amounts of aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil. Apply it on the
blister and allow it to dry on its own. Rinse it off with warm water.
Follow
either of these treatments 2 or 3 times a day for 3 or 4 days.
2. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Apple cider
vinegar is also a very effective remedy for blisters on the foot due to its
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help prevent
infection and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Dip a cotton ball into apple cider
vinegar. Gently swab it around the affected area and allow it to dry. If
it stings, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water first.
- Alternatively, mix 1/2 teaspoon of
onion paste with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Apply the mixture on
the blister, allow it to dry and then rinse it off with warm water.
Follow
either of these remedies twice daily for a few days.
3. Green
Tea
Green tea
has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce pain and swelling
associated with foot blisters. Plus, it has several vitamins and antioxidants
that will help the blisters heal quickly.
- Steep a green tea bag in 1 cup of hot
water for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag and allow it to cool. Put
the moist tea bag on the blister for a few minutes. Repeat 4 or 5
times daily for a few days.
- Also, drink green tea 2 or 3 times
daily to speed up the healing process.
4. Epsom
Salt
Epsom salt
is an easy and safe way to treat foot blisters. It helps dry out an un-popped
blister and encourage it to drain. Being high in magnesium, it also helps reduce
inflammation, pain and swelling. It also prevents infection.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Epson salt
to a foot tub filled with warm water and stir it in thoroughly.
- Soak your feet in this water for about
15 minutes.
- Remove your feet, pat dry and then
apply a coating of petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil.
- Follow this treatment once daily for a
few days.
Note: Once
the blister pops, the Epsom salt may sting, so discontinue use.
5. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
has antibacterial as well as astringent properties that help treat
blisters on the foot. It can even reduce the risk of an infection.
- Dilute one part tea tree oil with
three parts of any vegetable oil or plain water.
- Use a cotton ball to apply this
solution on the affected area.
- Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes,
then rinse it off with cold water.
- Follow this treatment a 2 or 3
times daily for a few days.
You can also
use an ointment made with tea tree oil to treat a foot blister.
6. Castor
Oil
Another very
effective as well as simple remedy to treat foot blisters is castor oil. The
thick oil keeps the affected area moisturized. This in turn reduces itchiness
and helps the healing process.
- Simply smear some castor oil on the
blister and leave it on overnight. Do this daily for 2 or 3 days and the
blisters will soon dry out.
- Alternatively, mix ½ cup of white
vinegar and 3 teaspoons of castor oil. Rub this solution gently on the
blister several times a day for a few days.
7.
Vitamin E Oil
You can also
treat any kind of blister with vitamin E oil. It moisturizes the skin,
which in turn relieves itchiness. Plus, it facilitates the healing process
and prevents scarring.
- Slice open a vitamin E capsule and
extract the oil.
- Mix it with an equal amount of
calendula oil.
- Smear this mixture on the blister and
leave it on for about 30 minutes.
- Reapply as needed for up to a week.
8.
Chamomile
Chamomile
has soothing as well as healing properties and can help ease the pain and
swelling of a foot blister.
- Make a strong cup of chamomile tea and
let it cool to room temperature.
- Dip a clean washcloth in it and wring
out the excess moisture.
- Put the moist washcloth over the
blister for 10 minutes.
- Repeat several times a day to get
relief from pain and itchiness.
9.
Turmeric
Turmeric has
healing properties that will alleviate pain and inflammation. It is also
antiseptic in nature and will help prevent infection.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
with enough water or pure rose water to make a paste. Apply this paste on
the blister, leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off
with warm water. Follow this treatment 2 or 3 times a day for a few days.
- Also, drink a glass of warm turmeric milk daily before going to bed to speed up the healing process.
REMEMBER
Do not drain a blister of any size
if:
- You have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, because of the risk of
- You think your blister is
from a contagious disease, such as chickenpox, because the virus can be
spread to another person.
- If a blister has torn open, or after
you have drained a blister:
- Wash the area with soap
and water. Do not use alcohol, iodine, or any other cleanser.
- Don't remove the flap of
skin over a blister unless it's very dirty or torn or there is pus under
it. Gently smooth the flap over the tender skin.
- Apply an antibiotic
ointment and a clean bandage. If the skin under the bandage begins to
itch or a rash develops, stop using the ointment. The ointment may be
causing a skin reaction.
- Change the bandage once a
day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Remove it at night to let the area
dry.
Watch for a
skin infection while your blister is healing. Signs of infection include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or
warmth around the blister.
- Red streaks extending away from the
blister.
- Drainage of pus from the blister.
- Fever.