Should I pop the blood blister on my finger?

Ouch! Your hammer missed the nail but hit your finger hard. A huge blood blister forms. It's painful and inconvenient so you’re thinking about popping it. Suddenly you're struck by doubt: is it better to leave it alone?

A blister is a small vesicle filled with fluid that forms under the skin after rubbing, a pinch, a sunburn, or burn. When filled with blood, it means that the wound is deeper and has caused small blood vessels to rupture – but the blood stays trapped under the skin, like when you pinch a finger in a door or accidentally hit it with a hammer.

Blood blisters on the fingers are painful and can interfere with certain movements or types of activities, especially if they are big. Here's how to treat them:

If the blood blister is small, do not burst it:

• Doing so can slow the healing process or worse, cause an infection.
• Instead, clean it with soap and water.
• Treat it with a medicated antibiotic cream.
• Protect it with a sterile dressing.

If the blister bursts of its own accord:

• It is important not to remove the skin – it acts as a dressing during the healing process and protects you from bacteria.
• You should disinfect and dress the wound.

If the blister is bulky and highly inconvenient, do not pop it yourself:

• Consult a doctor who can pierce it after disinfecting the area.
• He or she will then clean the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.
• If necessary, your doctor will also verify that you are vaccinated against tetanus and give you a booster shot if needed.
• If the doctor thinks there is a risk of infection, she will prescribe an appropriate treatment.

Certain dressings, called hydrocolloid dressings,  are specially designed to help prevent and treat blisters. They are highly elastic, like a second skin.

• Based on a cellulose derivative, they create a sort of cushion which gels to promote healing.
• They also act as shock absorbers, an effect that provides almost immediate relief and allows for rapid healing.
• It is recommended to leave them in place until they fall off by themselves, but because different products may have different instructions it’s a good idea to always check on the packaging what the manufacturer suggests.

When you have a blister, it's best to avoid friction and immersing it in water for long periods of time.

• Similarly, when you work with tools or play sports, you could put talc on your hands to reduce the risk of developing blisters. Wearing gloves is also a good solution.
• There are even some people who swear that natural black tea can make skin tougher and less blister-prone.

Sometimes, despite taking every precaution, blisters occur. And although they usually go away fairly quickly, by giving your hands a little TLC you can help minimize the discomfort and risk of developing an infection.