Burn Blisters: What to Do and What Not to Do

A burn blister is a bubble of clear fluid under the skin that forms as the body's way of protecting a burned area. The fluid, called serum, is similar to plasma (the clear liquid element in your blood) and contains proteins and other components believed to promote wound healing.

Burn blisters are different from the blisters that develop as a result of repeated friction, rashes, or pinched skin. They commonly occur with second-degree burns from a heat source, chemicals, frostbite, or sunburn.

This article provides an overview of burn blisters, as well as tips for treatment and prevention.

Types of Burn Blisters

There are three levels of burns that may require treatment. Some can be managed at home while others can be life-threatening and require immediate care by medical professionals.

• First-degree burns affect the outer (superficial) layer of the skin and don't always blister.
• Second-degree burns affect the outer and underlying layers of the skin and usually blister right away.
• Third-degree burns affect the deepest layers of the skin and may or may not include blisters.

Treatment for burn blisters will vary based on the severity of the underlying burn. Basic first aid can help first-degree and mild second-degree burns, while more advanced care is necessary for moderate or severe second-degree burns and all third-degree burns.

Mild burn blisters may require medical attention if the burn becomes infected.

At-Home Treatment

Blisters that occur with first-degree burns and mild second-degree burns can typically be treated with at-home care.

To help the area heal, try the following steps:

• Wash the blister area gently with plain soap and water.
• Apply a petroleum-based ointment.
• Wrap loosely with a sterile, non-stick gauze bandage.
• Keep the area covered and clean.

Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever for any pain or inflammation. Be sure to watch for signs of infection, which may require additional medical care.

With the right treatment and care, most minor burn blisters will take up to three weeks to heal. If you notice that the burn blister does not appear to be healing after a week or so, call your healthcare provider.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should see a healthcare provider immediately for severe second-degree burns with burn blisters, and all third-degree burns. Head straight to the emergency room if you notice the following symptoms:

• Burn blisters on an area larger than 2 inches
• Burn blisters located on the face, hands, feet, or genitals
• Multiple blisters on a dark red and glossy burn
• Increased pain or swelling
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen lymph nodes
  

Also seek immediate medical care if a burn blister shows signs of infection, such as:

• White or yellow drainage or milky-white pus fluid
• Increased pain
• Swelling at the site
• Red or hot-looking skin

While awaiting medical assistance, you should:

• Raise the burnt area above heart level, if possible.
• Apply a damp, clean, cool (not cold) cloth on the burnt area.
• Lie down flat, raise the feet, and keep the rest of the body warm to prevent shock.
• Make sure no clothing is stuck to the burn.

A healthcare provider can treat a burn and any burn blisters that accompany it by cleaning the wound and prescribing pain medication if needed. They can administer IV (intravenous) fluids to maintain blood pressure, prevent shock, and combat dehydration. In severe cases, a skin graft will be performed by removing the burnt skin and transplanting healthy skin onto the affected area.

Treatment also will depend on the type of burn. The American Burn Association recommends that all chemical burns and high-voltage electrical burns, for example, should be treated at a burn center. People with burn blisters and related injuries, like smoke inhalation, also require specialized care.

What Not to Do

If you notice your skin has blistered after a burn, don't pop it. In addition:

• Don't place ice or ice-cold water directly on the area, as it can lower body temperature and cause further pain and damage to the skin tissue.
• Do not apply household or fragrance-filled products like butter, oil, eggs, lotions, sprays, or creams to the blister.
• Don't scratch the blister if it becomes itchy, since this can cause it to rupture and become more vulnerable to infection.
• Do not apply a tight bandage that puts additional pressure on the blister or limits blood flow.

Don't touch the blister without washing your hands, and try to keep the area clean and bandaged. It's important to keep the area clean and the blister intact so the skin beneath it can heal without infection.

Preventing Burn Blisters

Burns and burn blisters aren't always preventable, but experts recommend the following safety measures to reduce the risk of occurrence:

• Be cautious in the kitchen, especially while handling hot items or working around a fire, and never leave food on the stove unattended. About 47% of all fires at home occur in the kitchen.
• Lower your water heater to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding, and always elbow test the water (dunking your elbow into the water) before bathing or using, especially for babies and children.
• Keep hot appliances, matches, and lighters locked away or in a secure location away from children or vulnerable family members. Use only approved portable fuel containers for gas, kerosene, and related products.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing to avoid frostbite, and if your skin does get frostbite, slowly raise your body temperature using lukewarm water.
  
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and seek shade often if you plan to be in the sun or hot weather for an extended period of time. Keep in mind that certain medications, such as Vibramycin (doxycycline) can increase the risk of skin sensitivity and sunburn.
  

Summary

Burn blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form over burned areas of skin as a layer of protection. They should never be popped, as this could increase the likelihood of an infection.

Mild burn blisters can be safely treated at home with basic first aid care, but burn blisters that occur with moderate or severe burns will need immediate medical attention.

Burns and burn blisters that may occur with them are common household injuries, but that doesn't make them any less painful or serious. If your blister doesn't show signs of improvement in a few days or if it appears infected, you should see a healthcare provider for treatment.

A Word From Verywell

Most simple burns can be managed at home. Rinse with cold water, apply an over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment, and keep covered to prevent infection. Remember that if you develop a blister, leave it, and it will slowly heal and drain over time.

— MICHAEL MENNA, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD