Mostblisterswill heal when left alone and are unlikely to become infected.
If you decide topop a blister, you increase your risk of infection.
A few key signs can indicate an infected blister, including pain, swelling, and drainage.
Daniel Lozano Gonzalez / Getty Images
But you should monitor it for signs that it’s crucial that you contact a healthcare professional.
Apply a dab of petroleum jelly.
Cover with a bandage to protect it while it heals.
A gel (hydrocolloid) bandage can help reduce the pain from the open wound.
Avoid popping any blister other than a friction blister.
They might prescribe an oral antibiotic like clindamycin, sulfamethoxazole, or linezolid.
Topical preparation may also be used.
Antibiotics and antiseptics can be used to inhibit microorganisms.
Antiseptics might be used first to avoid bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Depending on the bacteria causing the infection, symptoms may vary in severity.
Cellulitis
Cellulitisis an infection of the deeper layers of the skin.
Various types of bacteria cause the conditionmost commonly, group AStreptococcus.
Doctors prescribe oral antibiotics to treat this infection.
If the infection has been left untreated, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be necessary.
Sepsis
Sepsis, or bacteremia, is an infection that comes up whenever bacteria enter the bloodstream.
This can happen when an infected skin wound is left untreated.
When bacteria reach the bloodstream, the infection begins to affect the entire body.
How Long Until An Infected Blister Heals?
A blister with a minor infection might heal in as little as three weeks.
An infected blister may require prescription antibiotics and professional wound care.
However, sometimes, they can burst open before the wound is fully healed, leading to infection.
In addition, not taking proper hygiene measures when popping a blister can also cause it to become infected.
Signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness, red streaks, heat, and pus drainage.
You may also have a fever if your wound is infected.
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