Blisters are raised chambers full of fluid beneath the skin or between layers of skin. They can be caused by burns, second-degree freezing, and chemical corrosion. The most common cause, however, is physical friction such as when wearing new shoes, working in the garden, or performing other hard manual work. In these cases the upper layers of skin get separated from the lower ones, causing a hollow cavity which fills up with tissue fluid.

How to get rid of a blister

You should never puncture a blister, otherwise the wound may get infected. A strong adhesive plaster will protect the skin against further friction. There are specialized blister plasters incorporating layers of gel which help the blister to heal more quickly. These blister plasters can remain on the skin until they fall off by themselves. If the blister is already open, disinfect the wound first. After that you can use a blister plaster for this as well since the gel pad will not stick to the weeping wound.

Seek medical advice

A case for the physician: puncture wounds – especially involving foreign objects – animal scratches and bites, large-scale burns and heavily bleeding wounds should be treated by a physician.