MD Podiatrist Warns “Do Not Pop Blisters”
“A blister is an area of fluid that forms in the upper layers of the skin and which can resemble a bubble-like appearance,” says Dr. Daniel Michaels, Founder of the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC. “It is often filled with clear liquid called serum, but can sometimes be filled with blood or pus.”
“It is definitely best to leave the blister,” says Dr. Michaels. “On most occasions, the blister will naturally release the fluid and drain itself.” So, if you pop the blister, not only is it likely to hurt, but it leaves the wound vulnerable to potential infection, and the healing time could be longer than necessary. “If the blister is extremely large, looks discolored, or there may be redness tracking from the blister to other areas of the foot, then see a podiatrist immediately to drain it safely,” warns Dr. Michaels.