If you have a burn blister, it is generally best not to touch it at all. Here are some tips on what to do and what not to do with a burn blister:
What to do:
- Clean the area: Gently clean the burn with non-perfumed soap and water.
- Cover the blister: Protect the burned area by wrapping it lightly with a sterile nonstick gauze bandage.
- Take pain relief: Address pain with an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) .
What not to do:
- Do not pop the blister: Popping a burn blister can increase your risk of infection.
- Do not apply creams or greasy substances: While the skin heals, keep the area clean and do not apply any creams or greasy substances.
- Do not burst any blisters: Do not burst any blisters as this can lead to infection.
If your burn has caused a blister, you should get medical attention. The blister will probably remain intact, although some burns units at hospitals follow a policy of deroofing blisters. Deroofing means removing the top layer of skin from the blister. In some cases, a needle may be used to make a small hole in the blister to drain the fluid out. This is known as aspiration and may be carried out on large blisters or blisters that are likely to burst.
