Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Blisters - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

View in Hindi

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
Advertisement

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 
Advertisement

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
Advertisement