Blisters - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

What are Blisters?

• Occurs due to friction caused by constant rubbing of shoes / clothes
• Outer skin layer separates from inner layer
• The space in-between fills up with fluid
• Common in athletes, trekkers, rowers
• Also seen in people using new shoes
• Can be prevented

Fever Blisters 

• Fever blisters appear in /around mouth 
• Fever blisters caused by virus, Herpes Simplex
• Type-1 Herpes virus usually involved in fever blisters
• These blisters are contagious
• Recurrent episodes may occur
• Recurrence due to stress/illness/injury/sunlight

Symptoms

• Bubble-like structures on skin
• Redness over the area
• Itching
• Pain

Treatment

• Make a hole at the edge of blister
• Use a sterilized needle or pin
• Pin/needle sterilized by passing over flame
• Drain the accumulated fluid 
• Keep skin intact to prevent infection
• Clean blister with gauze containing iodine/alcohol
• Apply antibiotic ointment
• Cover with adhesive bandage for small blister
• Use porous, bandage for large ones
• Do not puncture blister if painless
• Do not puncture a blood-filled blister
• Blisters disappear in a few days time
• Diabetics should consult doctor 

Managing for fever (Oral) blisters

• No permanent cure/vaccination for Herpes infection
• Keep blisters dry & free of infection
• Eat a bland diet

Prevention Blisters

• Wear the right size shoe
• Cover the potential area with taping 
• Keep feet dry always

Fever blisters

• Avoid touching blisters
• Avoid contact with an infected person
• Avoid stressful situations