Should you pop blisters? How to care for open blisters

Published: April 2025

Blisters can be painful and inconvenient, especially when they burst. There are several different ways to care for popped blisters, depending on the extent of the skin damage. Learn how to care for popped and deroofed blisters.

Blisters are pockets of fluid that form on the surface of the skin. They occur due to skin damage and can be caused by friction and burns. 

When the skin undergoes damage and the layers of the upper skin (the epidermis) separate from the layers underneath (the dermis), the body’s defence mechanism is to create a fluid-filled blister.

This is to protect the underlying tissue from pressure and promote healing by preventing bacteria from entering the body. The skin on top of the blister sac is called the “roof” of the blister.

If you can feel a friction blister starting to form while walking or doing exercise, apply an Elastoplast Blister Plaster as soon as possible to relieve pressure from the “hot spot” and reduce friction.

A deroofed blister refers to a blister where the top layer of skin (the "roof") has been removed. Deroofing often happens when a blister is deliberately punctured or popped, and the thin skin over the blister breaks or is removed in the process. However, it can also happen when a blister is accidentally knocked. 

This leaves the underlying skin exposed, making it more vulnerable to infection and irritation. Deroofing a blister also means that the blister will take significantly longer to heal compared to covering it with a plaster or dressing.

The priority when treating open blisters is preventing infection  and promoting proper healing by dressing the wound appropriately. Follow the steps below to care for your deroofed blister:

1. Clean your hands: Apply antibacterial gel or soap and water to kill the germs on your hands. 

2. Clean and disinfect your deroofed blister: If your wound has debris of any sort (dirt, drying blister fluid or blood), flush it with Elastoplast Wound Spray. This antiseptic spray will physically remove some of the germs from your wound while also protecting from infection. 

3. Use a healing ointment: Apply Elastoplast Healing Ointment, which helps to create a protective barrier that supports the skin’s natural healing process and aids in moist wound healing. 

4. Cover your deroofed blister with a dressing: This will provide protection to your wound and provide a germ-free healing environment while reducing pain and discomfort. 

5. Monitor the blister: Change your dressing daily and keep an eye out for signs of infection such as redness, pain, swelling and foul-smelling discharge.

Elastoplast has a variety of dressings suitable for all wound sizes and needs.

These dressings are designed with a flexible, breathable material that conforms to the shape of the body, providing comfortable, secure coverage. The adhesive is strong enough to hold the dressing in place, even during movement or activities, yet gentle on the skin to prevent irritation. Elastoplast dressings are also designed to protect the wound from dirt, bacteria, and water, helping to reduce the risk of infection and promote faster healing.

Blisters are one of our body's defence mechanisms so you should try your best to leave them intact and allow them to heal. However, this isn't always possible, especially if your blister is large or is on a part of your body that you use frequently, such as your hands.

You should only drain a blister to prevent it from bursting in unhygienic conditions.

While you should avoid popping your blister, as mentioned, sometimes this is unavoidable. Follow the steps below to drain a blister safely: 

1. Start by washing your hands and the blister: Use soap and warm water to wash your hands, then clean the blister’s surface with Elastoplast Wound Spray. The antiseptic spray protects from infection and uses mechanical irrigation to thoroughly clean the area. 
2. Sterilise a needle: Boil your needle for at least 30 minutes or soak the needle in rubbing alcohol for at least 20 seconds to disinfect it. 
3. Puncture the blister carefully: Make a shallow puncture around the blister’s edge and allow the fluid to drain, ensuring the skin stays as intact as possible. 
4. Apply ointment to the blister: Use an ointment to cover the blister. Elastoplast Healing Ointment can help keep the skin moist, which supports faster healing and reduces the risk of infection. 
5. Dress the blister: Secure a dressing over the blister, pressing the roof of the blister against the underlying skin. 
6. Monitor the blister: Change your dressing daily and keep an eye out for signs of infection such as redness, pain, swelling and foul-smelling discharge.

If you've popped a blister, it’s important to keep an eye on it to ensure it heals properly. You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of infection: If the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, or warm, or if you notice pus or an unpleasant odour, it could indicate an infection. This is a key reason to seek medical attention. 
• Increased pain or tenderness: If the pain worsens over time or the area becomes very sensitive, it could be a sign of an infection or complications. 
• Fever: A fever or chills could indicate that the infection has spread, and you should see a doctor right away. 
• Large or deep blister: If the blister was large, deep, or located in a sensitive area (like the face or genitals), it might be worth getting checked by a doctor to ensure proper treatment. 
• Not healing properly: If the blister is taking a long time to heal or seems to be reopening or worsening, it might be helpful to consult a doctor for advice on how to properly care for it.
• Underlying health conditions: If you have conditions that affect your immune system (like diabetes, for example), you should seek medical advice sooner to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. 

If none of these apply and the blister is healing well, you may not need to see a doctor. Just keep it clean, covered, and watch for any changes.