An open blister heals best when you clean it with soap and water, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a nonstick bandage. Most open blisters heal within 3 to 7 days with this simple routine. The key is keeping the wound moist and protected from friction and dirt while new skin grows underneath.
Clean the Blister First
Before you put anything on the blister, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then gently wash the blister itself and the surrounding skin with mild soap and warm water. This removes bacteria and debris that could cause infection. Pat the area dry with a clean towel, being careful not to rub the raw skin.
After washing, you can apply an antiseptic to the area. Avoid using harsh agents like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide directly on the open wound, as these can damage the fragile new skin cells trying to grow.
What to Apply to the Wound
You have two equally effective options: petroleum jelly (like Vaseline or Aquaphor) or an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin or Bacitracin). A study comparing the two found no significant difference in infection rates. The moist environment these products create is likely what actually promotes healing, not the antibiotic ingredient itself. So if you only have petroleum jelly on hand, that works just fine.
Apply a thin layer directly over the raw skin. You don’t need a thick glob. Just enough to keep the surface from drying out. If you know you’re allergic to antibiotic ointments (some people develop a contact rash from ingredients like neomycin), stick with plain petroleum jelly.
How to Cover It
After applying ointment, cover the blister with a nonstick bandage or sterile gauze pad. Regular adhesive bandages work for small blisters. For larger ones, use a gauze pad secured with medical tape, making sure the adhesive doesn’t touch the raw skin.
Hydrocolloid bandages are another excellent option, especially if the blister is on your foot or somewhere that gets a lot of friction. These thick, cushioned patches contain a water-attracting material that draws fluid away from the wound and converts it into a gel. The outer layer is waterproof, which keeps the wound moist without letting dirt or bacteria in. The result is faster healing and softer, more flexible new skin compared to letting the wound dry out.
If the blister is in a spot that rubs against shoes or clothing, a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad can help. Cut a hole in a piece of moleskin slightly larger than the blister and place it around the wound so the raw area sits in the open center, free from pressure. Then cover the whole thing with a bandage.
Leave the Skin Flap On
If the blister popped and left a flap of dead skin hanging over it, resist the urge to peel or cut it off. That flap acts as a natural bandage, protecting the tender skin underneath. Gently smooth it back down over the raw area before applying ointment and a bandage. The only reason to remove the flap is if it’s visibly dirty or you can see pus trapped beneath it.
Keep It Moist, Not Dry
There’s a common instinct to “let the wound breathe” by leaving it uncovered. This actually slows healing. Wounds close faster when the surface stays moist because the skin cells responsible for repair need moisture to migrate across the wound bed. A dried-out blister forms a hard scab that new skin has to push under, which takes longer and often results in tighter, stiffer scar tissue. Sunlight and heat also dry the wound out, so keep it covered when you’re outdoors.
Reapply ointment and change the bandage at least once a day, or whenever it gets wet or dirty. Each time you change it, gently wash the area again with soap and water before putting on fresh ointment and a clean bandage.
Signs of Infection to Watch For
Most open blisters heal without complications, but an infection can develop if bacteria get into the wound. Check the blister each time you change the bandage for these warning signs:
- Increasing redness that spreads beyond the edges of the blister
- Warmth around the wound that wasn’t there before
- Swelling that gets worse instead of better
- Pus that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
- Pain that intensifies after the first day or two rather than fading
A small amount of clear or slightly yellowish fluid oozing from the blister is normal. That’s your body’s healing fluid. But cloudy discharge, red streaks radiating outward from the wound, or a fever suggest the wound needs medical attention.
When to Stop Covering It
Once new skin has fully formed over the raw area and the surface no longer feels tender or sticky, you can stop bandaging. For most blisters, this takes 3 to 7 days. The new skin will look pink or slightly shiny at first. It’s thinner than the surrounding skin, so avoid heavy friction on the area for a few more days after the bandage comes off. Applying a light layer of petroleum jelly during this transition period can keep the new skin from cracking.