Blisters are a common skin problem that pressure, burns, and some medical conditions can cause. Blisters can be painful and annoying, and many people want to know how long do blisters take to get better?
Small blisters may heal in a few days to a week, however larger or more serious blisters may take up to two weeks or longer to cure completely.
In this article, we’ll talk about blisters, how long do blisters take to get better and give you useful information about the things to do to remove out blisters.
Why Do I Get Blisters?
Many things can cause blisters. Some of the most popular reasons are:
1. Friction
When the skin rubs against a surface repeatedly, friction scars can form. This often happens on the hands or feet, especially when running or wearing shoes that don’t fit well.
2. Burns
Blisters can form on the skin when hot things or liquids burn it. These blisters can be mild or very bad, depending on how bad the burn is.
3. Reactions To Allergies
Some allergies, like contact dermatitis, can cause blisters to form on the skin. This happens when an irritant or allergy touches the skin, making the immune system react.
4. Medical Conditions
Blisters can be a sign of some medical conditions, like the herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores) or autoimmune illnesses.
How the Healing Process Works?
The healing process is an amazing and complicated way for our bodies to fix broken tissues and get back to normal working. When we get hurt, whether a cut, a burn, or a broken bone, our bodies start several things to help us heal.
Let’s take a look at how healing works:
1. Hemostasis
Hemostasis is the first step in healing. It is when a blood clot forms to stop heavy bleeding. Platelets in the blood gather around a wound and release clotting factors, which cause a clot to form and close the cut.
2. Inflammation
After the blood stops flowing, the rash starts. Redness, swelling, heat, and pain are all signs of inflammation, which is the body’s natural reaction to an injury. During this phase, white blood cells, like neutrophils and macrophages, move to the injury site to remove debris, germs, and other foreign substances.
3. Proliferation
When the inflammation goes away, the next step is called “proliferation.” During this phase, new blood vessels grow (angiogenesis) to bring oxygen and food to the healing area. Collagen, a protein that helps build new tissue, is made by specialized fibroblast cells. As new granulation tissue grows, the wound starts to heal.
4. Remodeling
Remodeling is the last step in the healing process. This is when the newly made tissue matures and changes. Scar tissue slowly breaks down and is replaced as the collagen fibers reconnect and strengthen. Depending on how bad the damage is, this phase can last for weeks, months, or even years.
Four Steps In The Repair Of A Blister:
- Stage1:Inflammation and swelling happen in the first stage as the body reacts to the damage.
- Stage 2: The blister fills with clear fluid, which helps protect the damaged skin and speed up the healing process.
- Stage 3: As new skin grows underneath the pimple, it deflates.
- Stage 4: The dead skin on the top layer dries out and falls off, showing the skin that has healed underneath.
How Long It Takes For Different Types Of Blisters To Heal?
How long boils take to heal depends on what kind they are and how bad they are:
1. Friction Blisters
Most friction blisters heal in one to two weeks if they are taken care of properly and the source of contact is taken away.
2. Burn Blisters
How long they heal depends on how bad the burn is. Burns on the skin may heal in a week, but burns that are deeper may take weeks or even months to heal fully.
3. Cold Sore Blisters
Cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus generally heal in 2 to 4 weeks. Antiviral drugs can shorten the time needed to improve and ease the symptoms.
4. Fever Blisters
Oral herpes, another name for fever blisters, usually heals in 2 to 3 weeks with good care and antiviral drugs.
How Long Do Blisters Take To Get Better?
Different things can affect how long blisters take to heal:
1. How Big and Deep The Blister Is
Blisters that are bigger or deeper may take longer to heal than smaller ones. Deeper boils may need to be checked out by a doctor because they are more likely to get infected.
2. Location On The Body
Blisters in places with more friction, like the soles of the feet or palms of the hands, may take longer to heal because of the discomfort.
3. Health As a Whole And The Immune System
The healing process depends greatly on how healthy a person is and how well their immune system works. People whose immune systems aren’t as strong, like those with diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may take longer to heal.
4. Proper Blister Care
Good care of blisters can make a big difference in how long it takes them to heal. Keeping the blister clean, dry, and away from other sources of discomfort can help it heal faster.
How To Speed Up The Healing Process?
Here are some ways to help blisters heal more quickly:
1. Clean and Dry The Blister
Clean the blister gently with water and soap. Too much moisture can slow the healing process.
2. Keep The Blister From Getting Any Worse
Put on a bandage or dressing to protect the blister from pressure or rubbing.
3. Use The Right Bandages Or Ointments
Use sterile or antibiotic ointments as directed by a doctor or nurse to avoid infection and help the wound heal.
4. Avoid Popping Or Removing Blisters
Unless a doctor tells you otherwise, it’s usually best to leave blisters alone because they work as a natural barrier.
When To See a Health Professional?
Most boils heal independently, but sometimes you need to see a doctor. Get help from a doctor if:
1. Signs Of Being Sick
If the blister turns red, swells up, hurts, or leaks pus, it could be a sign of an illness. There may be a need for medical treatment, such as medicines.
2. Severe Pain or Discomfort
If the blister causes severe pain or discomfort daily, you should see a doctor.
3. Blisters That Come Back Or Don’t Go Away
If blisters keep coming back or don’t go away despite taking care of them, you should see a doctor for a full checkup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the time it takes for blisters to heal depends on many things, such as the type of blister, its size, where it is, and the person’s health. Even though most blisters heal in a few weeks with proper care, it’s important to watch for signs of illness or long delays in healing. By following blister care instructions and getting medical help, people can help their blisters heal faster and feel less pain
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I Pop a Blister To Help It Get Better Faster?
Popping boils is usually not a good idea because it can make you more likely to get an infection. The best thing to do is to let the blister heal independently.
Q2. Should I Put a Bandage On a Blister?
Putting a wrap or dressing over the blister can keep it from getting worse and help it heal faster.
Q3. Is There Anything You Can Do At Home To Help a Sore Heal?
Home remedies that help heal blisters include keeping the blister clean and dry, using antibiotic ointments, and staying away from activities that worsen the blister.
Q4. How Can I Stop Friction Burns From Happening?
To avoid friction blisters, wear shoes that fit well, wear socks that wick away moisture, and lubricate or pad areas where contact is likely to happen.
Q5. Does a Blister Leave a Mark?
If a blister heals without problems, it usually does not leave a scar. But if a blister gets infected or isn’t handled right, it could leave a scar.
Learn more: What To Use Instead Of Pore Strips?