Whoever said they’d rather have a blister than a little sister obviously has never had a blister. Dealing with a younger, annoying version of yourself is much easier than dealing with a painful fluid-filled sac on your foot — right? Maybe not, but in the moment you have a blister, it sure seems like it. Luckily, there are several home remedies that not only relieve the pain caused by blisters, but also speed up their healing process of blisters on feet so you can get back to being blister free in no time.
Blister Treatment #1: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a soothing, natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce redness, swelling and pain blisters cause. It’s also very hydrating, which helps the irritated skin heal faster.
Blister Treatment #2: Hydrocolloid Bandages
Any bandage will help protect a blister and promote quicker healing, but hydrocolloid bandages in particular are super helpful in creating a water-tight barrier that will have your blister shrinking in no time. In case you’re wondering, hydrocolloid bandages contain gel-forming agents in an adhesive compound laminated on a flexible outer layer that cushion the blister, keep it protected from water and help with healing.
Blister Treatment #3: Apple Cider Vinegar
Though it will most certainly make your blister sting upon application, apple cider vinegar can go a long way in speeding up the healing process and preventing blister infection. ACV is a natural antibacterial, so either soaking the blister in the vinegar or gently applying it with a cotton swab will help the blistered skin recover faster. You can also try adding a small amount of castor oil to the vinegar, which helps dry up the blister and further aids healing.
Blister Treatment #4: Vitamin E
Vitamin E has incredible skin healing properties that not only help with cell turnover but also prevent scarring. Vitamin E ointment is available for purchase, but popping open a vitamin E pill and directly applying the gel to your blistered skin is the best healing method. (Note: Vitamin E is also an effective way to rid your feet of corns and calluses.)
Blister Treatment #5: Green Tea
Filled with anti-inflammatory properties, green tea is an ago-old cure for blisters. Use gauze to apply soaked green tea bags to the blister — do it while they’re still warm if your blister has yet to pop, as the warmth can help soften the wound and help the liquid drain.
Blister Treatment #6: Allow It to Breathe
One of the most simple and effective ways you can cure a blister is by allowing it to breathe — uncovered — in a clean environment, which will dry it out and promote quick healing. Remove bandages when you’re at home and apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to further speed up healing.
How to Prevent Blisters
Prevention is the best way to ward off potential foot sores, so long before a blister develops, try some of these measures that are helpful in blister prevention:
- Avoid shoes that fit in an inappropriate manner that rubs or irritates the skin
- Avoid shoes made from stiff, manmade materials and instead choose shoes made out of soft, flexible material like leather and suede
- Wear socks whenever possible
- Try rubbing a gel deodorant/antiperspirant or Vaseline on your feet before wearing sandals or other potentially irritating shoes. Both help lubricate any problem areas and reduce potential friction and rubbing
- Use protective moleskin on shoes you know are problematic
Hopefully, you’ll now be able to heal any blisters you already have and prevent future sores from appearing. We’re not sure, however, if any of the above methods are helpful in dealing with little sisters. That’s a problem you may have to endure on your own...