Guide · Feet
Should you pop a blister?
Quick answer
Usually no. Leave a blister intact if you can, because the roof of skin keeps bacteria out; cover it with a bandage or a hydrocolloid patch. If it's large and very painful, drain it at the edge with a sterilized needle, leave the roof in place and cover it. See a clinician for signs of infection, and if you have diabetes or poor circulation, ask before draining.
- Leave blisters intact when possible; the roof is a natural bandage.
- Drain only large, painful blisters, at the edge, with a sterilized needle, keeping the roof on.
- Watch for infection: spreading redness, warmth, pus, red streaks or worsening pain.
- People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should ask a clinician first.
Why you shouldn't pop most blisters
The fluid-filled bubble protects the raw skin underneath. Cleveland Clinic calls the blister roof a natural bandage,[3] and Mayo Clinic advises leaving a blister unbroken if it isn't too painful, because the skin keeps bacteria out.[2] The NHS advises against bursting a blister or peeling a burst one.[4]
When draining makes sense
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests draining only a blister that is large and very painful, for example one you have to keep walking or running on.[1] If you're not sure, leave it and cover it.
How to drain a blister safely
- Wash your hands and the blister with soap and water.
- Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol.
- Prick the blister at the edge, not the center, and let the fluid drain.[1]
- Leave the roof of skin in place over the raw area.[2]
- Cover with a clean bandage or a hydrocolloid blister patch.
Aftercare
Keep the area covered and change the dressing if it gets wet or dirty. Mayo Clinic suggests trimming away dead skin after several days, once the skin underneath has toughened.[2] Most blisters heal on their own within about a week.[4] If the blister is from running, find the cause, usually sock, shoe fit or moisture, before your next long run. See how to prevent running blisters.
Signs of infection and when to get help
- Spreading redness or discoloration, red streaks, or skin that feels hot.[3]
- Pus or yellow-green discharge.
- Pain or swelling that gets worse instead of better.[1]
- Fever.
People with diabetes, poor circulation, HIV or who take immune-suppressing drugs should see a clinician before draining a blister.[3]
FAQ
Is it better to pop a blister or leave it?
Leave it in most cases. Drain only a large, very painful blister, at the edge with a sterilized needle, and keep the roof on.
Should I peel the skin off a popped blister?
No. Leave the loose skin in place to protect the raw skin underneath. Trim it only after several days, once the skin below has toughened.
How long does a blister take to heal?
Most heal on their own within about a week if kept clean and covered.
Sources
- How to prevent and treat blisters. American Academy of Dermatology.
- Blisters: First aid. Mayo Clinic.
- Should you pop a blister?. Cleveland Clinic.
- Blisters. NHS.
