Don’t pop a blister unless it is big, painful, or is getting continually irritated.
If you are going to pop a blister, how you do it is important.
Using improper techniques can cause harm to your skin and increase the risk of infection.
Elen11 / Getty Images
Elen11 / Getty Images
What Is a Blister?
Ablisteris a pocket of fluid between two layers of skin.
The clear fluid inside a blister is called serum.
Most blisters are quite painful, even when theyre not a serious medical issue.
What Blisters Can Be Popped?
It is usually best to leave a blister alone.
Blisters form to protect your skin.
Your body will reabsorb the liquid.
In some cases, however, it may be appropriate to pop a blister.
First, take into account whattype of blisteryou have.
Friction Blister
Friction blisters can be popped in some cases.
Friction blisters are among the most common blister types.
They occur due to physical rubbing.
A blister that’s less than 5 millimeters (mm) is called a vesicle.
A larger blister (more than 5mm) is called a bulla.
Friction blisters should only be popped if they are very large and impeding your usual activities.
As with other blisters, popping a friction blister increases your risk of bacterialinfection.
Should I pop a blister on my toe or foot?
Blood Blister
Blood blisters can be popped under certain circumstances.
Do not pop a blood blister if the blood is old and congealed.
What Blisters Should Not Be Popped?
Some blisters can become infected if you pop them, while others can spread viruses.
Generally speaking, you should not pop these types of blisters.
Burn Blister
Burn blisters should not be popped.
Asecond-degree burncan leave your skin to become discolored and blistered.
For this reason, you should avoid popping a burn blister, even a small one.
Eczema Blister
Eczema blisters should not be popped.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can cause irritation that leads to blisters.
Because theyre intensely itchy, it can be difficult to avoid scratching eczema blisters.
However, that can pop them and lead to infection, so have a go at avoid it.
Like burn blisters, you should not pop a blister from a bug bite.
Popping a bug bite blister can introduce bacteria that could lead to an infection.
Blisters don’t heal faster if you pop them.
In fact, popping a blister can actually prolong the healing process.
Is it usually better to leave a blister alone than it is to try draining it.
What color should blister fluid be?
The area will also be painful and hot.
This includes washing your hands, using a sterilized needle, and cleaning and bandaging the area afterward.
Don’t pop blood blisters or blisters from burns, bug bites, eczema, or fever blisters/cold sores.
New Zealand Trust: DermNet.Blistering skin conditions.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Blisters.
University of California: UCI Health.Home burn care do’s and don’ts.
National Eczema Society.Pompholyx eczema.
American Academy of Dermatology.Cold sores: Signs and symptoms.
The University of Texas at Austin, University Health Services.Cold sores / fever blisters.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent and treat blisters.
Seattle Children’s Hospital.Wound infection.
Harvard University Medical School, Harvard Health Publishing.Blisters (Overview).
National Health Service: NHS Inform.Blisters.
