Wound care in best hands

How to treat a blister

Blisters usually result from friction on the hands or soles and can be painful but heal easily once the cause is removed. Follow the treatment steps below, which are based on NHS recommendations:

Graphical representation of hand washing as a wound treatment step in the Leukoplast wound care advisor.

1. Wash your hands:

“Wash your hands before touching a burst blister.” 1
Graphic representation of a magnifying glass with an exclamation mark as a symbol for the strict observance of hygiene rules during wound treatment.

2. Observe hygiene:

Do not burst a blister yourself; it is likely that you will contaminate the wound. If it is already burst, “allow the fluid to drain before covering it with a plaster or dressing.” 1

Graphic representation of a hand applying a wound dressing to another wrist to symbolize covering the wound as a treatment step.

3. Cover the wound:

“To protect your blister from becoming infected, a pharmacist can recommend a plaster or dressing to cover it while it heals.
A hydrocolloid dressing can help reduce pain and speed up healing.” 1

Graphical representation of a cold pad to illustrate the cooling of the wound for pain management in the Leukoplast wound care advisor.

4. Manage pain:

Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 30 minutes to cool the wound.

When to seek medical advice

A common blister on your hand or foot can easily be treated at home. A visit to the doctor is necessary, however, if the blisters

  • appear without any obvious reasons.
  • appear in unusual places, e. g. eyelids, mouth or genitals.
  • were caused by a burn, scald or an allergic reaction.
  • become infected.

How to recognize an infected blister

If a blister becomes infected, the body's reactions to invading pathogens can be a warning signal. Pay attention to whether the wound

  • become more painful,
  • is warm to touch,
  • looks red or swollen,
  • leaks some blood-like liquid, pus or blood,
  • has an unpleasant smell

If you notice an elevated body temperature (above 37.5 °C) or see any of the signs mentioned, please contact your health care practitioner! 2

When in doubt, see a medical expert

Many common wounds can be dealt with at home. But when should a doctor be consulted? Scroll down for more information!

Pictogram showing a medical expert.

Preventing an infection

Open blisters are gaps in the skin barrier. Read more on how to prevent infections! >>

3D illustration showing of bacteria.

Expert wound care for blisters

Leukomed® T plus

Leukomed® T plus

Skin-friendly sterile dressing with wound pad for small to medium-sized wounds.

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Leukomed® T

Leukomed® T

Sterile dressing for superficial and surgical wounds, and for fixing dressings.

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Medical references