Did You Know?

Blisters can form for a number of reasons. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, injuries, allergic reactions and infections can lead to the formation of blisters. Burns or scalds and even sunburns can cause blisters to form as well. Blisters can be painful or itchy, and that discomfort may compel some people to pop them. But popping blisters is a potentially costly mistake, as the American Academy of Dermatology notes that popping blisters can lead to infection. Patience may be a person’s best ally when confronting blisters, as the AAD says most blisters will heal on their own in one to two weeks. Covering a blister can help reduce pain and discomfort, especially if a bandage is situated in such a way as to ensure that the middle of it is a little raised. That can reduce friction between the blister and the bandage. Once a blister has drained, the AAD advises washing the area with soap and water and applying petroleum jelly. It’s important to leave the “roof” of the blister intact even after the blister has drained, as doing so protects the raw skin underneath it as the area heals.