Broken Blisters: Home Treatment

Topic Overview

It's best not to drain a blister at home. But when blisters are painful, some people do drain them. If you drain your blister or if it has torn open, be sure to follow these steps:

1. Gently wash the area with clean water. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
2. 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.
3. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
4. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

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.