How to Pop a Blister
Blisters are a very common injury we get from everyday tasks, and they usually go away on their own. Sometimes, though, the blister becomes too painful and too swollen, that you have no other option but to pop it and let the fluid underneath it out. While this seems like a straightforward method, there are several important reminders you have to follow, to prevent infections.
What You’ll Need:
Boiling water, rubbing alcohol or an open fire
Needle or a tack (make sure it’s free from rust)
Antibiotic ointment (betadine or neosporin will work)
Band aid or gauze bandage and first aid tape
Clean, surgical gloves
Water and soap
Cotton balls
Procedure:
Get a needle or a tack that’s clean and without any sign of rust. Sterilize it. There are several effective methods to do this. One is by washing it with rubbing alcohol. Liberally run the alcohol over the needle. Another great tactic is to hold the needle over a flame for a few seconds. This also kills germs as well. If you don ‘t like the fire tactic, just dip the end into boiling water.
Wash your hands using antibacterial soap and water, then dry thoroughly. You should also wash the area surrounding the blister, making sure no germs are around it, to prevent it from being infected.
Slip on a pair of surgical gloves, to prevent transmitting dirt and germs onto the blister later on.
Hold the needle across the blister, horizontally. Carefully penetrate the thick skin, until you create a hole. It should be small, but enough to get the pus or goo out from the blister. Remember, make this incision at the blister’s base, and not at the top. If you don’t prick the skin deep enough, the goo won’t get out. You’ll know it’s all right, when a droplet from the blister comes out.
Put a finger above the blister, then apply gentle pressure, letting the goo come out. This will hurt a bit. The roof of the blister should be left attached, so it’s still able to protect the skin.
When you got all the pus out, put some antibiotic ointment onto a cotton ball, then apply it all over the blister.
Cover the blister with a band aid or gauze bandage and tape, to protect it. Wash your hands when you’re done.
Clean the blister with alcohol or antibiotic ointment everyday, and change the band aid or gauze. If there are signs of infection, such as pain, itchiness, swelling, pus, red streaks, or even fever, consult a physician.
It’s usually not advisable to pop blisters because of infections, but when it becomes too unbearable, you have to do it. Just remember to do it the safe way, so you won’t put your health at risk.