To treat blisters, it is generally recommended to leave them intact and allow them to heal on their own, as most blisters will resolve naturally within one to two weeks[5]. Protect the blister by loosely covering it with a bandage or plaster, and use padding—for example, a donut-shaped moleskin—if the blister is in a pressure area such as on the feet or hands[5].
If the blister has already burst or if you must drain a large, painful, or inconvenient blister, follow these steps carefully to reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash your hands and the blister with mild soap and warm water. Clean the area thoroughly, but do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, as these can irritate the skin[3].
- Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol[3].
- Puncture the edge of the blister to drain the fluid—never remove the covering skin, as it acts as a natural barrier[1][3].
- After draining, gently smooth the skin flap over the underlying area[3].
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the area moist and help protect against infection[2][3].
- Cover the blister with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or dressing, and change the bandage at least once a day or whenever it gets dirty or wet[2][3].
If the blister is particularly large, on a pressure area, or keeps refilling with fluid, you might need to repeat the draining and dressing steps[1]. Avoid the activity or pressure that caused the blister until it heals completely[5].
Some natural remedies, such as applying aloe vera for burns, may relieve discomfort and promote healing, but home remedies like green tea are not universally recommended[1][4]. Do not pop blisters on or near the mouth, and avoid draining blisters if you have a condition that affects healing or immunity[1].
See a doctor if you notice signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or pain) or if your blister is caused by an underlying medical condition[3][6].
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