Blisters can be annoying and painful. Fortunately, there are many simple home remedies for blisters that can help to ease the pain and speed healing. The most important goals in treating blisters are to prevent the blister from growing larger, reduce the pain, and prevent infection. If blisters are treated early, they will cause much less pain and discomfort.

Blisters are caused by friction. When skin rubs against skin or clothing, friction pulls at the outer layer of skin, damaging it. The skin forms a blister by swelling and filling with fluid. The more friction and the longer the blister is left untreated, the larger it can become. Blisters can be painful, and if untreated, they can be come infected, causing further problems.

The best course of action against blisters is to try to prevent them in the first place. Blisters are most likely to occur during unaccustomed activity or with new equipment. Try to use gloves when working with your hands in activities such as wood working or gardening. When hiking, use well worn-in shoes or boots and change socks frequently. Socks wet from sweat are more likely to cause blisters than dry socks.

Natural Home Remedies for Blisters
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum):
Horse chestnut is tree native to the Balkan Penninsula. Its seeds, leaves, and bark have traditionally been used in countless natural remedies, particularly in treating vein and circulation concerns as well as skin sores and other irritations. It is particularly effective against skin irritations that are accompanied by swelling. To use horse chestnut for blisters, we recommend a compress using 1 teaspoon of horse chestnut tincture in about 1 cup of cool water. Soak a soft cloth or cotton ball in the solution and apply to the blister for up to 20 minutes. You can repeat several times a day until healed.

Green Tea:
Green tea contains potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce both swelling and pain. Try steeping one or two tea bags in a small amount of hot water and allow to steep for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, soak a cloth, cotton ball, or the tea bag itself in the green tea and apply to the blister as a compress for several minutes. You can repeat this 3-4 times a day until healed. You might also consider drinking a glass of green tea for good measure as the antioxidants will go to work on the inside and out!

Aloe Vera:
Pure, natural aloe vera is perhaps one of the most popular natural home remedies for blisters. In fact, it is one of our go-to’s for all things red, itchy, and irritated when it comes to the skin. Aloe vera is a well-known anti-inflammatory that hydrates the skin as it relieves swelling and redness, which makes it an ideal home remedy for blisters. Aloe also has properties that reduce the risk of infection.

Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oils:
Lavender essential oil is a mild antiseptic and analgesic that also promotes skin healing so it’s no surprise that it also made it onto our list of top 10 home remedies for sunburn. Tea tree oil, on the other hand, is naturally antibacterial and acts as an astringent when applied to the skin. Together they can make one powerful home remedy for blisters. For those "hot" burning blisters, try a cold compress by soaking a clean, soft cloth in a cup of cool water with a few drops of tea tree and lavender essential oils. Apply the wet cloth to the blister for a few minutes several times a day. Remember never to use essential oils directly on the skin; always dilute them in clean water or a carrier oil.