A heat blister is a small eruption of the skin that is usually filled with fluid. Heat blisters can develop on your feet, between the legs and on your lips. Heat blisters usually appear in clusters on the skin. Caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight (as with a sunburn) or intense heat, these blisters can often be quite painful. For many people heat blisters are a common complaint during the hot summer months. Heat blisters can also be caused by direct contact with a hot object. In some cases, the heat blisters may get infected and blood or pus may collect.
Heat blisters
Treatment for Heat Blisters
In most cases, heat blisters heal by themselves and should be left alone. However, in cases where the blister is painful or is in a location that is uncomfortable, it may be necessary to lance it. One of the best ways to get rid of a heat blister on the feet or between the legs is to puncture it. However, it’s very dangerous to do this yourself. Instead visit your doctor to get it done. He will start the process by swabbing the area with alcohol to get it completely clean. Using a sharp sterilized needle, the blister will be punctured several times and allowed to drain. Once all the liquid inside is removed, the blister will be covered with a bandage or gauze to speed up the healing process. An antibiotic ointment may also be prescribed to prevent any infection from developing. After a few days, the dead skin of the blister will be cut away and a bandage will be reapplied.
Home Remedies for Heat Blisters
Avoid popping a blister or peeling it. This will only cause an infection and worsen the situation. In case you have developed a heat blister on the lips or on the feet and it’s causing too much pain, anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers may help reduce the discomfort. Other simple home remedies to treat heat blisters include:
Apply an ice pack to the blister to reduce pain and swelling.
Wash the blister with a cold saline solution. Pat dry and apply a paste of cornstarch and water over the blister. Let it dry on the skin for half an hour before washing off. This will help dry out the blister over time.
If you suffer from heat blisters in summer, keep hydrated at all times. Shower frequently and wear light cotton clothing that allows the skin to breath.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun and always wear a sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Aloe vera gel applied to the blister can help speed up the healing process.