Blisters

Blisters are usually the result of persistent or repeated rubbing against the skin. Some illnesses, such as shingles, cause blister like rashes . Bums can also blister the skin.

Prevention
* Avoid shoes that are too tight or rub on your feet.
Wear gloves to protect your hands when doing heavy chores.

Home Treatment

If a blister is small and closed, leave it alone. Protect it from further rubbing with a loose bandage, and avoid the activity or shoes that caused it.

If a small blister is in a weight bearing area, protect it with a donut shaped moleskin pad. Leave the area open over the blister.

If a blister is larger than one inch across, it is usually best to drain it The following is a safe method:
* Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol.
* Gently puncture the blister at the edge.
Press the fluid in the blister toward the hole you have made to drain it.

Once you have opened a blister, or if it has torn open, wash the area with soap and water.

Do not remove the flap of skin covering the blister unless it is very dirty or torn, or if pus is forming under the blister. Gently smooth it flat over the tender skin underneath.
* Apply an antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage. Do not use alcohol or iodine. They will delay healing,
* Change the bandage once a day to reduce the chance of infection.
Remove the bandage at night to let the area dry.

When to Call a Health Professional

If blisters recur often and you do not know the cause,
If signs of infection develop.
Increased pain, swelling, redness or tenderness
Heat or red streaks extending from the blister
* Discharge of pus
Fever of 100' or higher with no other cause
If you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease