Most blisters heal naturally and don't require medical attention. As new skin grows beneath the blister, your body will slowly reabsorb the fluid in the blister, and the skin on top will dry and peel off.
Friction blisters
The unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to infection. The skin should remain intact to avoid infection. Never pierce a blister with a needle as it could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process (although a doctor may choose to do this under sterile conditions). Allow the skin to peel off on its own once the skin beneath has healed.
You may wish to cover small blisters with a plaster (adhesive dressing). Larger blisters can be covered with a gauze pad or a dressing that you can tape in place. If you have a blister that's painful or in a position that makes it likely to burst (such as on the sole of your foot), cover it with a soft dressing to cushion and protect it. Change the dressing daily and wash your hands before touching the blister to avoid infection.
Burst blisters
If a blister has burst, don't peel off the dead skin on top of the blister. Allow the fluid inside to drain, then cover the blister and the area around it with a dry, sterile dressing to protect it from infection until it heals. Hydrocolloid dressings have been proven to help stop discomfort and encourage healing.
If the top layer of dead skin from a burst blister has been rubbed off already, do not pick at the edges of the remaining skin but follow the same instructions outlined above to protect it from infection.
Read more about applying plasters and other dressings.
If the blister is on your foot, avoid wearing the shoes that caused it, at least until it heals.
Blood blisters
Leave blood blisters to heal naturally. If a blood blister bursts, keep the area clean and dry. Protect it with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.
Blood blisters are often painful. Applying an ice pack to the affected area immediately after the injury can help to relieve pain. Apply the ice pack for between 10 and 30 minutes. To make sure that the ice doesn't touch your skin directly, place a towel over the affected area before applying the ice.
Infection
If a blister becomes infected, it's important that you see a medical professional so that it can be treated. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics.
Medical conditions
If you have blisters that are caused by a separate medical condition, such as chickenpox, herpes or impetigo, you should visit your GP so that they can discuss how to treat the underlying condition.
