For those of you that have never experienced blood blisters, consider yourself lucky. However, for those unfortunate enough to have had one, they will tell you that it is not only painful but also quite inconvenient.
One important thing to do is to understand how to treat these types of blisters. Without proper treatment, it may develop into serious infections.
Whether you know about this type of blister or not, we have you covered.
Read on through as we talk about what a blood blister is, and more importantly, how you can treat it.
What is a Blood Blister?
This type of blister is one that forms when blood vessels are damaged and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. It is also called a hemorrhagic blister.
They usually occur on the hands and feet but can occur anywhere on the body. It may look like a regular blister but is filled with blood instead of fluid. It is often red or purple and is usually painful to the touch
Causes of This Blister
They are often caused by trauma to the skin, such as from biting, sucking, or scratching. In truth, any injury no matter how mundane – such as stepping on a nail for example – can bring it about. They can also be caused by burns, frostbite, or other injuries.
If one of these blisters breaks open, it can lead to an infection. Therefore, it is important to know how to treat these types of blisters properly to avoid complications.
In truth, these types of blisters occur when a wound happens. It is usually a pinching on a body part that causes a wound but does not break the skin open. This is what makes the blood fill it instead of fluid.
Are Blisters Bad?
One must understand though that these blisters are the way our bodies handle the wound and help it heal. Thus, blisters are usually harmless and resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, they can be painful and cause some discomfort.
Why Treatment For These Blisters Necessary?
As aforementioned, blisters are usually harmless and will go away on their own. However, there are some cases in which treatment may be necessary
For example, if the blister is large or painful, if it breaks open and bleeds, or if it becomes infected.
An infection can occur if the blister is not properly protected from bacteria. If the blister pops on its own, it is also at risk of becoming infected.
People who pop these blisters are at risk of getting skin and even blood infections. Furthermore, untreated infections of these blisters can often lead to sepsis which is a potentially fatal condition.
How to Treat a Blood Blister?
Warm Compress
You can use a warm compress to treat a blister. This will help reduce pain and swelling. To do this, soak a clean cloth in warm water and apply it to the blister for 10 to 15 minutes at a time several times a day.
One important thing to note here though is that applying this compress should not be done within the first 48 hours of the blister though.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve pain and inflammation. This includes medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Ice Pack
You can also use an ice pack to treat a blister. This will help reduce swelling. To do this, wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply it to the blister for 15 minutes at most. This can be done frequently throughout the day.
It may seem ironic to some that we have recommended both a warm and cold compress. Both compresses are different but viable, with their own special uses and benefits.
Elevation
If the blister is on your foot or ankle, elevate your foot above the level of your heart to reduce swelling. To do this, lie down and prop your foot up on a pillow.
Protect the Blister
It is important to protect the blister from further injury. This means keeping it clean and dry and wearing comfortable shoes that do not rub against the blister.
You can also put a bandage over the blister to protect it from further injury. Be sure to change the bandage regularly and whenever it gets wet or dirty.
DO NOT Puncture the Blister
One important thing to remember is not to puncture this type of blister. Many people may get impatient and want to pop the blister to alleviate the pain and discomfort it is causing.
This can lead to infection or further pain. If the blister breaks open on its own, wash the area with soap and water. Apply a bandage if necessary.
See a Doctor if Necessary
If the blood blisters are large or extremely painful, see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you have diabetes or poor blood circulation as these complications may heighten the risks that this blister presents.
How to Avoid Getting These Blisters?
One of the best practices for any and all conditions or illnesses is not to wait for them to happen. The best course of action is always to avoid them in the first place.
The first step is understanding that blisters come from three ingredients. These are heat, friction, and moisture. In understanding this, steps can be taken to avoid getting these types of blisters.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
One is to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. This means wearing appropriate clothing when it is cold or hot outside.
Perfect Fitting Footwear
You should also wear well-fitting shoes to avoid friction. Continuous friction may result in a blister like this from forming. If you do get a cut or scrape from your shoes, be sure to clean and cover the wound properly.
It may also be wise to add another layer of protection by wearing a good pair of socks when going out.
Use Powder in the Shoes
There may be times when you may need to walk in the rain or when there are puddles on the ground. Even if a person is wearing shoes, the moisture within the shoes is conducive to creating blisters.
The moisture introduced from the environment makes a person’s feet rub around more frequently in the shoes. Adding more fire to the flame of friction increases the likelihood of blisters forming.
One quick way around this is by putting some powder in your shoes to eliminate the moisture.
Inevitable But Treatable
Wounds are an inevitability in life. We may be going about our day as usual, and all of a sudden, something happens to us and a wound is created. This means that a blood blister is also very likely to happen throughout one’s lifetime.Â
Despite that, it is always important to understand the nature of these blood blisters. More importantly, it is essential to understand how to treat and prevent it when the time comes. While inevitable, it is treatable.Â
Supplementing this knowledge with the right first aid skills can make a world of difference to a person in need.
Learn more about the right first aid knowledge and skills by taking CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course today.
