How to Treat Blisters on Your Hands

Blisters are a common ailment of the hands, which can be a result of friction-related damage, or burns. It is important to try to keep the skin over a blister intact, as this will help prevent infection and further skin damage. If the blister becomes unbearably painful, or if it is causing you to be unable to use the affected hand(s), then it needs to be punctured. This should be done carefully, however, to prevent infection.

Wash the affected area. The first treatment for hand blisters should be to wash the hands and the blister with warm water and soap 1. Because the most common problem with blisters is infection, it is important to clean it to try to eliminate all bacteria.

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Disinfect the outside of the blister. The best way to do this is with iodine or alcohol, both of which will kill bacteria. Soak a cotton swab with either iodine or alcohol and rub it gently on the blister.

Disinfect a needle. Your needle should be clean and sharp, and to sterilize it, immerse or rinse it in rubbing alcohol.

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Puncture the blister with the needle. Your goal should be to leave the skin over the blister largely intact (this will serve as protection and help it to heal), so try to puncture a few holes around the edges of the blister and let the fluid drain.

Apply antibiotic ointment to the blister (available over the counter at drug stores). Cover the blister with a bandage.

After several days, cut away the dead skin, using tweezers and a pair of scissors that have been sterilized in rubbing alcohol. Apply more ointment and a bandage until the area has healed completely.