A burning sensation on your skin accompanied by a blister can be an alarming experience. While the initial fear may be that something serious is wrong, many people find themselves wondering if they should pop the blister or leave it to heal naturally and safely. If you’re dealing with a burn, understanding what steps to take and when can help ensure your health and safety in the short-term while allowing time for healing in the long-term.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into blisters from burns—what causes them, whether you should pop them or not, along with solutions for treating larger areas of affected skin afterward. Keep reading to get all the information needed for effectively managing any minor burns sustained!
What is a blister?
A blister is a bubble-like bump that can be filled with clear fluid, serum or pus. It’s formed when the top layer of your skin separates from layers beneath it due to some form of friction, heat or infection. In this case, blisters are created by the burn itself and are your body’s way of protecting itself from further damage.
How does it form?
When the skin is burned, its cells create an inflammatory response which causes them to push away from each other in order to protect themselves. This can result in a bubble that’s filled with either clear fluid or pus-like material. As the burn heals, the blister will also heal and can eventually disappear entirely.
Should You Pop a Blister From a Burn
The short answer is no, you should not pop a blister from a burn. This can cause the area to become infected and slow down the healing process. It also increases your risk of permanent scarring in the area. Instead, what you want to do is to keep the blister covered and clean until it heals naturally.
However, if the blister is large or painful, then you may consider draining it safely. To do this, make sure that your hands are washed and sterilized before popping the blister with a sterile needle. Then use an antibiotic ointment on the affected area and cover it with a bandage or gauze.
If you do not feel comfortable draining the blister yourself, consider consulting a doctor for proper assessment and treatment.
How to pop a blister the right way?
- Start by washing your hands and the blister with a mild soap and warm water.
- Sterilize a needle or scalpel with rubbing alcohol or another disinfectant solution.
- Use the needle or scalpel to carefully puncture the edge of the blister in one spot, taking care not to tear the skin too much.
- Gently press out the fluid contained in the blister and use a clean cloth or cotton swab to absorb it.
- Once all of the fluid is removed, cover the area with an antibiotic cream or petroleum jelly and cover it with a bandage or gauze.
- Change the dressing at least once daily until the wound is healed.
Treating Larger Areas of Skin After a Burn
Once the blisters have healed and gone away, there are additional steps that can be taken to help heal larger areas of skin affected by the burn. This can include taking pain medication, applying a cool compress to the area and using over-the-counter ointments or creams if needed.
Additionally, moisturizing the area is important to help restore natural oils and prevent further dryness and irritation. Applying aloe vera directly to the skin can also help soothe the burn and reduce inflammation.
If you have a large area of affected skin or have any concerns about a burn, it is always best to seek professional medical advice. A doctor can assess your situation and provide guidance on how to properly manage your burns.
How to prevent blisters from forming in the first place?
When it comes to burns, prevention is the best way to avoid blisters. Always practice safe handling of hot materials, such as using oven mitts when taking items out of the oven and wearing appropriate protective gear when welding or performing other activities involving extreme heat.
You should also ensure that you are adequately hydrated and well-rested to reduce the risk of burns that could result in blisters. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system or are taking any medications, it’s important to take extra care and speak with your doctor about how to minimize the risk of developing burns.
Conclusion:
Burns can be very painful and damaging, so it is important to practice proper safety measures when dealing with heat. If you do get a burn, the best thing to do is not to pop the blister but rather keep it covered and clean until it heals naturally. If the blister is large or causing discomfort, then you may consider draining the blister in a safe and sanitary manner. However, if you have any concerns or the burn is on a large area of skin, it’s best to seek professional medical advice. Additionally, prevention is always key to avoiding blisters from forming in the first place by taking proper safety precautions when dealing with hot materials or engaging in activities that involve extreme heat. By understanding how to properly deal with a burn and taking steps to prevent one from occurring in the first place, you can help ensure your health and safety.
