Changes

Popping Blisters

426 bytes removed, 10:04, 4 November 2011
m
no edit summary
=Don't Pop the Blister=
Popping a blister is a bad idea as a blister will heal faster and better when left intact. A wound heals twice as fast in a moist environment than when dried out. The idea of 'drying out' a wound is dated and wrong. Drying out a wound or bursting a blister can also increase the scar tissue that is left behind. The fluid inside a blister creates a good healing environment, far better than any dressing. The biggest problem with popping a blister is it introduces the possibility of infection. To make matters worse, a popped blister may refill with fluid, which is the worst of both worlds. Typically popping a blister will also make things more painful, so don't pop to reduce your discomfort. The fluid acts as a cushion to protect the raw flesh under the blister, so once the blister is popped, the two surfaces will then rub.
==Speeding the healing==
Keeping the blister warm can help speed up the healing process. Simply wrapping the area with warmer clothing can make quite a difference, as well as protecting the blister from knocks. You can apply some gentle heat, such as an infrared lamp or a [[Theratherm]] electric blanket, but be sure you don't overdo it and burn the area. If the blister is larger, it may need to be protected or supported.
==Moleskin Doughnut==
The alternative to popping a blister due to pressure is to build up the area around the blister so that the pressure is relieved. Moleskin can be cut out in the shape of the blister, forming a doughnut shape that reduces pressure on the blister if it is small enough.