5 Natural Methods to Treat Blisters at Home

Blisters, otherwise known as a vesicle, are layers of skin filled with fluid. A blister can come in different forms, and they are usually filled with either ous, blood, or a water-like substance.

They are extremely common, and while they can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they are not usually serious. If you are concerned about a new blister forming and are unsure of its origins, it could be a good idea to visit a trained podiatrist.

How do blisters occur?

It really depends on which part of the body that they pop up. For example, blisters on the feet are almost always related to ill-fitting footwear and rubbing shoes. 

According to Essex Union Podiatry, blisters are exceptionally prominent with runners, workers that stand and walk around, and people breaking in a new pair of shoes.

If on the hands or fingers, it can be as a result of friction or pinching wounds. The skin on our hands can be quite delicate, and it takes some time for it to become hardened to whatever task you are doing. For example, if you are learning to play the guitar, you can find blisters popping up on your fingers, where they compress the strings. Or if you are doing odd jobs around the house, you may find them appearing from where you grip specific tools (using a hammer and chopping wood are the likely culprits).

Essentially it is the constant friction between your skin and the material it is in contact with. Regarding feet, they can happen if you have socks on in the case of workboots or directly onto the skin, such as from flip flops rubbing on specific contact points.

How to treat blisters at home

Yes, blisters are not usually severe, and there are various methods of removing them, mostly including drying them out or draining the fluid from underneath the skin. 

Below, you will find 5 natural blister treatments that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Please always remember to visit a doctor for any serious medical issue.

1. Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera has long been known to have beneficial skincare properties, so it is no wonder that it can also heal blisters.

You need to apply it to the blister in question and let it naturally air dry. After a while, drying, you can wash it with warm water. The mechanism at work here is aloes vera’s natural anti-inflammatory properties. It works by reducing the swelling and irritation.

2. Apple cider vinegar

Of course, we had to sneak in apple cider vinegar into this post! It is well known for being a miracle substance that has a range of useful properties. Some of the purported benefits are useless at best, but it really can help when it comes to blisters.

It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which are especially useful if the blister has burst or causes some discomfort. You can apply using cotton wool and let it dry. Several applications are needed to get eh full benefit.

3. Saltwater soaking

This one is especially nice if your blisters are on your feet. You can fill up a bowl with warm to hot water and mix in several tablespoons of high-quality salt. Once submerged, the salt and warm water will get to work, reducing the swelling and softening up the skin on your feet, making the blister more flexible and less likely to burst.

This option is better suited to your feet rather than blisters on your hands.

4. Coconut oil

If you don’t have coconut oil in your house yet, you should immediately purchase some.

It is an excellent oil that has moisturizing benefits for your entire body, and if you apply it over a blister, it can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

5. The dreaded needle!

I have saved this one until last because it is often the treatment that most try to avoid. This is a shame, though, because it is the fastest cure of all, and with some preparation, it can be painless and effective.

You will first need to wash both your hands and the affected area with soap and hot water. Then you dab some iodine solution onto the blister to make sure no bacteria remains. 

Once this initial preparation has been completed, you should sterilize a sharp needle by either using fire (be extremely careful) and/ or soaking it in a rubbing alcohol solution.

Now comes the fun part! Using the needle, carefully begin to puncture the blister close to the edge where it meets your skin. Larger blisters will need several puncture points, and then let the fluid drain out onto a tissue or clean towel. Make sure to leave the actual layer of skin in place, as this will ensure faster healing.

Once the blister has been drained, you can cover it an antiseptic cream or, if that is unavailable, petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline. Then cover with some gauze and a bandage or band-aid.

You should check each day to make sure there is no infection, and after a few days, it should be as good as new.