How to Treat an Open Blister From a Burn

Blisters are common, yet very painful.

Blisters are small pouches of skin filled with fluid that can cause extreme pain. Friction or burns usually cause them. Tender bubbles form on the skin's surface and fill with fluid; eventually, the blisters burst open. Treat the wound with special cleaning and dressings once a burn blister opens. While they will eventually heal on their own, learning how to treat, clean and care for blisters is important for proper healing.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Scissors
• Rubbing alcohol
• Water
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive bandage or gauze pad

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

2. Sterilize your scissors by soaking the blades in rubbing alcohol for 5 minutes.

3. Snip away any dead skin covering or surrounding the open blister. Remove the skin by cutting the edges of the blister away carefully.

4. Rinse the open blister with water to remove any fluid, particles or debris.

5. Pour a thin stream of hydrogen peroxide into the blister to disinfect the wound. Avoid using a cotton ball to apply the peroxide as the cotton strands can stick to an open wound. Instead, allow the peroxide to run through and rinse the wound.

6. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of ointment directly onto the open blister. Lightly dab the ointment with your fingers to spread it over the entire wound.

7. Place a bandage over the blister if it is small or cover the wound with a gauze pad if the blister is large. In either case, the dressing will protect the open blister while allowing it to breathe and heal.

8. Apply a new dressing and fresh ointment each day until the blister has healed.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection such as increased pain, redness or fluid around the blister.

References

• Mayo Clinic: First Aid Blisters
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Blisters