How To: Treat blisters

If you're a dancer, athlete or just breaking in a new pair of shoes you know that blister can add pain and discomfort long after they're formed. By keeping a blister sterile and away from further friction you can get your blister to heal quickly.

Blisters are painful and irritating, but many can be treated at home by following these simple steps.

You Will Need

* Soap and water
* Iodine or rubbing alcohol
* Cotton swabs
* Needle
* Sterile gauze
* Antibiotic ointment
* Bandage
* Sterile tape
* Donut-shaped moleskin pad (optional)

Step 1: Wash hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching blisters so they don't become infected.

Step 2: Disinfect blister

Disinfect the blister by swabbing it gently with rubbing alcohol or iodine.

Some blisters pop on their own, but if you have a large blister, or if it's in an uncomfortable spot, break and drain it to release the pressure.

Step 3: Sterilize needle

Sterilize a needle with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Step 4: Break blister

Break the blister by poking a small hole near its edge with the sterilized needle.

Step 5: Wash blister

Wash the blister with soap and water and pat it dry with sterile gauze.

Step 6: Smooth flap

Gently smooth down the flap of blister skin. Do not remove it.

Step 7: Apply ointment

Apply antibiotic ointment to the popped blister, and cover it with a loose bandage or gauze.

Blisters on the bottoms of the feet or other locations that experience a lot of pressure are best treated by applying a donut-shaped moleskin pad that leaves the blister itself uncovered.
How To Treat Blisters: Tape bandage
Step 8: Tape bandage

Tape the bandage securely, but loosely, using sterile tape. Do not allow tape to touch the blister and do not tape too tightly, as that could cut off blood supply.

Did you know? The clear liquid in blisters is the clear part of the blood, called serum, which co