A blister normally heals on its own once the fluid in the blister has been completely absorbed by the new skin that forms beneath the affected area. Blisters are part of our body’s mechanism of defense. It is the result of the outer layer of skin separating from the inner and this gap accumulates serum, allowing for the inner layer of skin to grow again. Serum may collect as a direct consequence of trauma or injury to skin tissue and then cushions the tissue from further damage and allows it to heal. Other fluids may also collect in the blister as a result of infection or the extent of damage to the tissue. Pus collects in the blister on account of bacterial infection and blood can sometimes fill the blister if the inner layer of skin is bleeding. It is essential to identify the nature of your blister as they sometimes arise as a result of underlying diseases or infections like Diabetes or Herpes. Blisters may arise as an allergic reaction to certain chemicals or as a result of exposure to extreme heat or cold. If your blister has not receded in over ten days, it may be advisable to consult a doctor. Until then, you can care for your blister at home by following a few simple precautions.

Tea tree oil

Do not attempt to break the blister unless it is very big. If you do have to break the blister, make sure you make use of sterilized instruments (heat the instrument in a red hot flame or rinse it with alcohol to sterilize) and apply an antibiotic cream on the blister immediately after the fluid drains. If the fluid that drains from your blister is yellow or white, then it has been infected and may require medication. Once the blister is broken, the cover or ‘roof’ of the blister should not be removed. This is essential for the underlying skin to heal. While the blister is healing, the skin covering it and the surrounding region may be very dry and it is important to keep it moisturized so as to avoid an itching sensation. You can use a mixture of aloe vera, cold milk cream and coconut oil to moisturize the skin around the blister. You can alternatively wash it with a mix of cider vinegar - one teaspoon and rose water - five teaspoons. Tea tree oil is an effective remedy for treating blisters. A drop of tea tree oil will help cure the blister quickly. If the blister on your lip is in fact a cold sore, it could be contagious. Make sure you don’t share towels or toiletries. Sanitize the blister using diluted hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar to keep the infection from spreading to the rest of your body.