Popping a blister is only recommended if you want to get rid of it now. Pop it with a clean needle and put on some bandage. Otherwise, it’s best to just let the skin heal naturally. That being said, the pros and cons of pricking it are worth examining nevertheless.
Why Popping is Unnecessary
Those who are against piercing warn that it will only cause more infection. Popping it incorrectly might cause the blister to spread. In addition, the skin is the best defense against infection.
Medication can help, but the skin is still the best natural cure. It will keep the blister wet during the healing process. It reduces the odds of getting a scar.
But those in favor of popping a blister say there won’t be any
problems if the right methods are used.
Ways of Popping
If you are going to do it, don’t just pry off the skin. First, set the fluid to one side. Now pop it from the other side. The needle should be clean. Prior to using it, apply some alcohol on it or boiling water.
The pricking should be just on the top of the skin. After the first pop, repeat it after 12 hours. Prick it again after another 12 hours.
There are several variations on the pricking method. When pricking with the needle, apply some pressure. When the blood comes out, put some bandage or cream. Others who prefer popping a blister like to put some anti skin inflammatory ointment.
Before popping it, clean the affected area with water. If you’re using bandages, change it at least twice daily. If you’re using creams, apply it as many times as the product specifies. Keep an eye on the blister. If it swells up or becomes painful, it might be infected. See a doctor to get the right prescription.
Protection from Blisters
To protect your feet, put some skin lotion around it. Also make sure your shoes aren’t too tight. Silk fabrics are also more helpful than cotton. Putting on some baby powder on the feet is also recommended. To keep yourself from popping a blister, applying powder daily is ideal. When you take off your shoes, you can add some more powder.
If you keep getting blisters, use a moleskin pad. You can buy them at drugstores. It’s not just a preventive measure but can also reduce the pain. Just slice the moleskin like a donut and apply around the blister prone section. If the sore is already there, put the moleskin over it. It will act as an absorber for additional friction.
Give yourself time to adjust to new shoes. Practice walking in it for half an hour for the first few days. When you’re used to it, you can wear the shoes regularly. It won’t hurt to have an extra pair of footwear with you.
Popping a blister needs to be done correctly to avoid infection. But if you want it to heal naturally, there’s no need to prick with a needle.