Treating blisters

[Syvelocin]

I've been hearing many different things. My mum who is a nurse told me to not pop it and bandage it, and I read an article by a professional online that says to pop it with a sterile needle, clean it, bandage it, etc. I have two minor ones on my thumbs, one is a normal blister, the other is a blood blister.

So.... ice it and bandage it or drain it, clean it, and bandage it? :P

[Kilometers]

I only know about blisters on your foot which you use moleskin or duct tape. But do not pop any blister because even if you bandage it, it can still get infected. I would go with what your mother says though

[Zazu]

As long as they're not too big, I'd go with what your mum said and just bandage them and wait for them to go down.

[ShatteredWings]

Don't pop it. The blister is full of fluids that aid the healing. If it breaks on it's own, that's fine (usually).

Also not opening it means there's a significantly lower chance of infection.

[Josiah7]

I deal with hundreds of blisters a year being a Army Cadet Medic.

Yes it is true it might not be good to pop them. The only reason it is bad to pop them is the risk of it becoming infected. If you drain it with a sterile needle, and apply a clean dressing and the relvant cream it should be fine. If it is located in a place where it is likley to pop - do it yourself. Just make sure it is dressed and kept clean.

Its up to you - its on your body. If if you look after it after it is drained there should be no problem.

Hope this helped.

[Dimitri]

As a Phlebotomist I deal with blood blisters and hematomas a bit and what I would suggest for your blood blister is to take and place a warm wash-clothe on it for about 10min. and then place a bandage on it, applying some pressure. When we deal with them we often place coband on them(the stuff they wrap your arm with after you donate blood) and the pressure causes some of the blood to pass back into the tissues under your first layer of skin. This will also help reduce the growth of the blood blister. I would not advise poping a blood blister, it can be quit painful if done incorrectly.

[Josiah7]

Sorry Should have clarified, Only pop normal blisters and NOT blood blisters - normal blisters that are caused by friction ect may be popped but not blood blisters. Also do not pop and blisters relating to burns - this will only cause further damage.