Topic Overview

If a blister has broken, popped, or torn open, the following home treatment measures may help prevent infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water. Do not touch the broken blister with your hands or any unclean object. Broken blisters can easily become infected. If medical gloves are available, use them when touching your blister.
• Wash the area with soap and water. Do not use alcohol, iodine, or any other cleanser.
• Don't remove the flap of skin over a blister unless it's very dirty or torn or there is pus under it. Gently smooth the flap over the tender skin.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. If the skin under the bandage begins to itch or a rash develops, stop using the ointment. The ointment may be causing a skin reaction.
• Change the bandage once a day or anytime it gets wet or dirty. Remove it at night to let the area dry.

Watch for signs of a skin infection while your blister is healing. Signs of infection include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister.
• Red streaks extending away from the blister.
• Drainage of pus from the blister.
• Fever or chills.