First Aid Caring for Blisters

Blisters often occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface, thus peeling off the top layer of the skin. Although classified as minor injuries, but these injuries also require treatment. The skin consists of the uppermost part, called the epidermis, and the lower part is called the dermis. As the outermost and widest organ of the body, the skin is vulnerable to scratches and injuries. In general, abrasions occur in the epidermis layer of the skin. This wound is not as severe as a cut or tear, which causes severe bleeding. However, deep abrasions can leave scars or scar tissue on the skin. Blisters are one of the types of open wounds that can occur on the outer surface of the skin. In addition to abrasions, there are several other types of injuries that need to be known, namely cuts that can occur due to sharp objects such as razors, torn wounds that can also be caused by sharp objects such as knives, stab wounds caused by sharp pricks such as nails, and peeling sores caused by explosions or gunfire.

Treating blisters at home

At a mild level, abrasions can generally be treated at home. But keep in mind, you must wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly before cleaning the wound. Here are the ways that can be done as a wound care effort. Among them:

• Clean wounds from dirt that may stick under running water or use sterile saline solution (liquid saline) until clean.
• Use gentle soap like baby soap to clean wounds. It is better to avoid using cleaning agents containing alcohol, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide directly in open wounds because it can cause irritation and stinging.
• Apply antibiotics to keep the wound moist, accelerating healing and preventing infection.
• Cover the wound with a soft, sterile gauze and replace it every day.
• Pain relievers are sometimes needed to treat painful, large-sized blisters. However, avoid taking aspirin because it risks extending bleeding time.
• Avoid injury from sun exposure to prevent permanent hyperpigmentation.
• Check with your doctor if bleeding from abrasions does not stop, blood spurts out, the edges of the wound open, the wound is caused by something dirty and rusty, and the wound area feels numb.
• Avoid applying ointments or ingredients other than wound medication, unless done or recommended by a doctor.
• If there are bruises or swelling, compress with ice.

Immediately consult a doctor if the blister wound is too wide or too deep to be handled alone. The time of wound healing is different for each person. This is influenced by several factors, such as age, medical condition or illness, malnutrition, temperature and weather of residence, the immune system, the presence or absence of infection in the wound, and whether the patient smokes or takes certain drugs.