Blood blisters are caused by a slight trauma to an area of your body. Sometimes, it can also be caused by extra heat on your body. It is not quite a bruise because it is a small spot just below the skin. It does not spread out like a bruise. Blood blisters, however, can be very painful because the area under it is bruised and the blister itself presses on this bruised area. The blister will usually go away in ten to fourteen days. If it is extremely painful or doesn’t seem to be getting any better then you may need to see your family doctor.
Blood blisters need to be handled carefully. You don’t want to cause an infection to spread. The blister shouldn’t be popped, unless it is done by a doctor. The doctor can decide if the blister needs to be lanced or not. Blood blisters can lead to problems or be a signal that something else is wrong. That is why, if it doesn’t show improvement, you may need to see the doctor.
If the blood blister is caused by a trauma, like pinching your finger in a door jamb, then it will probably respond to home remedies. The absolute best thing to do is wait it out. Let the blister heal by itself for the ten to fourteen days. To alleviate some of the pain you can take acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. It will also help to put a warm compress on the affected area at least two times a day. The warm compress will help not only with the pain but will help any inflammation.
A few other things that you can do are:
- You can soak a towel in a mixture of salt and ice-cold water and use it as a cold compress.
- For two to three times a day, apply ten percent tannic acid. To make the skin stronger and healthier, you can continue to apply the tannic acid for another two to three weeks.
- Keep the area dry. When you’re hot, sweat can cause further inflammation.
- If the blister breaks, you use an antiseptic mouthwash to disinfect the wound.
- To alleviate pain you can use Aloe Vera gel or juice.
- Vitamin E oil and zinc ointment can also be used for pain.
- Another disinfectant that you can use is garlic oil.
- Astringent tannins can also be found in witch hazel. This not only helps relieve pain but it will also help dry out the blister. Dab the blister at least four times a day.
- A paste can be made with sandalwood powder and rose water and applied to the area.
- If the blister is getting a little infected, then you can make a paste with sandalwood powder, turmeric powder, and rose water.
- Red meat should be avoided because it can cause inflammation.
- Lots of fruits and vegetables should be consumed. This helps the body heal.
Because a blood blister can be a breeding ground for infection, it is extremely important to make sure you keep the area clean and dry. Keep new clean bandages on it, especially when the blister ruptures.
