Should you open a bubble?

Should you open a bubble?

Open bubbles… yes or no? We've all had blisters on our hands or feet. Maybe you wore shoes that were a little too tight. Maybe the baking sheet was too hot after all... Or maybe you have an illness or viral infection that's causing blisters.

We spoke to dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, about why you shouldn't pop most blisters and how to treat three common types of blisters instead.

Should you pop bubbles?

The short answer? In most cases a clear no.

“Blisters are your body’s way of forming a bandage after an injury,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “The fluid in the blister prevents further damage to the underlying skin and allows the skin to heal.

How to pop a blister (if you have to)

In most cases, it's best to let a blister heal on its own. However, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends draining a blister if it is "very large and painful."

If you puncture or drain a blister, it can lead to an infection; so if you absolutely have to do it, make sure the bladder stays clean.

• Sterilisieren Sie eine kleine Nadel mit einem Desinfektionsmittel oder reinem Alkohol
• Stechen Sie mit der Nadel in den Rand der Blase, damit etwas davon abfließen kann.
• Lassen Sie das „Dach“ der Blase (die Haut, die sie schützt) so weit wie möglich intakt. Sie wirkt wie ein natürlicher Verband, der die darunter liegende Haut schützt.

Certain people at risk of infection should see their doctor to have a blister popped. This will use a sterile needle to drain the fluid. This is particularly important for people with weakened immune systems, e.g. B:

• HIV
• Diabetes
• Einnahme von Medikamenten, die ihr Immunsystem unterdrücken

Treating a ruptured blister

If your blister bursts, whether naturally or otherwise, you need to make sure it heals properly and doesn't become infected.

Do not peel off the dead skin. Leave them in place to protect the skin underneath from dirt, debris and bacteria.

Allow the fluid to drain naturally, then cover the area with a dry, sterile bandage to promote healing and keep it clean.

Types of blisters and treatments

Blisters often arise from repeated friction, e.g. B. through shoes or gloves. They also often occur after burns. Some diseases can also cause blistering.

Dr. Khetarpal explains the causes of these different types of blisters, how to prevent them and how to treat them.

Friction blisters

You've laced up your brand new running shoes. But 10 minutes into the run you feel a painful rubbing sensation. The next morning you see it: the angry, red skin has puffed up and is a fluid-filled sack.

Friction blisters often form on toes, feet, and ankles when shoes are too tight or too loose. (It's like Cinderella...you want the shoes to fit perfectly.) But even with the right fit, some new shoes are more likely to cause blisters than your favorite worn-out shoes. Materials like leather, for example, need some time to adapt to your feet.

Friction blisters can also form on the palms or fingers when you work with your hands, such as. B. when shoveling, gardening or other practical activities.

How to prevent them

• Tragen Sie gut sitzende Schuhe und Handschuhe.
• Vermeiden Sie Baumwollsocken und -handschuhe, die sich mit Schweiß vollsaugen und zu Scheuerstellen führen.
• Tragen Sie Puder oder Vaseline auf die Reibungsstellen auf.

How to treat them

Here, too, you shouldn't just let the bubble burst. Try these methods instead:

• Decken Sie die Blase mit einem lockeren Verband ab.
• Polstern Sie die Blase ab, indem Sie ein kleines Kissen in Form eines Donuts zuschneiden. Die Blase sollte sich in der Mitte befinden und durch die Aussparung im Donut nach oben ragen.

Burn blisters

First things first: If you have suffered a minor burn – e.g. B. if you rashly try to remove a hot pan from the stove - cool the area first. Fast.

“If you have been burned, the first thing you should do is run the burn under cool water,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “This helps with the pain and can also reduce the swelling.

Hold the burned area under cool water for about 5 minutes or until the pain stops. Do not use ice or ice-cold water as this can cause further damage to the tissue.

It is generally recommended not to pop a burn blister. Instead, try the following measures:

• Decken Sie die Verbrennung mit einem nicht klebenden, sterilen Verband ab
• Tragen Sie zwei- bis dreimal am Tag Vaseline auf
• Vermeiden Sie Salben oder andere Hausmittel wie Zahnpasta oder Butter, da sie Infektionen verursachen können

If the burn does not improve within two weeks or causes severe pain, contact a doctor for further help.

Blisters related to skin diseases and infections

Certain medical conditions and viruses can cause blisters or blisters all over the body. This includes:

• Bullöses Pemphigoid.
• Impetigo
• Pemphigus
• Virusinfektionen, wie Windpocken und Gürtelrose)
• Nässendes Ekzem

There are different treatments for these conditions, but under no circumstances should you allow the blisters to burst, drain, or itch. Talk to your doctor about options for treating blistering. He can recommend medications, ointments, and other treatment strategies.

Can blisters scar?

Whether a blister scars or not depends on its depth.

“The deeper the injury (especially chemical or heat burns), the more likely a scar is to form,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “Friction blisters generally do not form scars because they are more superficial.

When should you see a doctor?

Most blisters can be treated at home. If your blister is particularly large and painful, you should consult a doctor before draining it yourself, especially if you have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk of infection.

Also speak to a doctor if:

• Sie gelben oder grünlichen Ausfluss aus der Blase bemerken
• Der Bereich um die Blase herum heiß oder schmerzhaft ist
• Sie rote Streifen um die Blase herum haben
• Sie Blasen im Zusammenhang mit einer neuen Erkrankung entwickeln

Theme: Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles

Listen to your grandma. In over 80% of the studies, “Grandma’s tips” were actually proven to be effective. So your first port of call should either be your grandma or your memory of what you said about home remedies for blisters on hands and feet, blisters
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