• First Aid

How to Treat a Burn Blister: Relieving Pain and Avoiding Infections

Medically reviewed and edited by Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

Bad sunburn, accidental contact with a hot stove, frostbite, or even hot water exposure can cause burn blisters. 

These blisters are often painful and uncomfortable, and you may need to seek emergency medical attention.

Burn blisters may appear alarming, but they’re a crucial bodily function. They serve as a protective barrier against infection and form part of the skin’s natural healing process.

Understanding how to manage burn blisters properly is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. 

You also need to know when to seek professional medical care for different types of burns.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of burns that result in burn blisters and provide guidance on the proper care and treatment of these blisters. We’ll also explain when you should get medical attention for burns.

What Are Burn Blisters?

Burn blisters are fluid-filled bubbles that form on the surface of the skin as a result of a burn injury. 

A burn blister aims to protect the skin from further injury and infections while also encouraging healing by keeping the skin moist and insulated.

The skin around and under the blister may be red or pink due to inflammation and heat damage. Burn blisters vary in size depending on their location and the severity of the burn.

What Are the Different Types of Burns?

There are different types of burns that can cause burn blisters. Burns differ depending on the depth of the skin they impact, their symptoms, and their healing time.

A first-degree burn

First-degree burns affect the superficial layer of the skin — also known as the epidermis. They may result in a blister, but this isn’t always the case. 

They cause minimal skin damage, and the area is usually red and dry, with mild swelling.

A second-degree burn

A second-degree burn affects the outer and underlying layers of skin tissue. 

Second-degree burns are more serious and usually begin blistering shortly after the burn. They can cause the skin to become extremely red, swollen, and sore.

The blisters from a second-degree burn may pop shortly after forming, giving the burn a wet or weeping appearance. As we will discuss later, it’s important not to pop burn blisters yourself, as this can cause infection.

A third-degree burn

These are severe burns that affect the deepest layers of skin tissue. They may also damage fat, muscle, and even bone. 

Third-degree burns are often accompanied by burn blisters. It’s advised that you don’t treat these types of burn blisters on your own. Always seek proper medical treatment for serious burns.

In cases of third-degree burns, the burn site might appear white, blackened, or charred. There may be no pain initially as the nerve endings are destroyed.

When Do I Need Medical Treatment for a Burn?

You should get medical attention immediately for second-degree and third-degree burns with blisters. Children and elderly people with minor burns should also get medical attention.

Be sure to visit the emergency room if you have any of the following:

• A fever

• Shortness of breath

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Many blisters on a dark red and glossy burn

• Burn blisters located on the feet, hands, or genitals

• Burn blisters on an area larger than two inches

Most burns that only affect the outer layer of skin will heal within three weeks. If the blister doesn’t seem to heal after a week or two, speak to your healthcare provider.

Finally, you’ll need to see a doctor if your burn blister becomes infected. Signs of an infected blister include:

• White or yellow pus draining from the burn

• Increased pain

• Swelling at the burn site

• Red or hot skin

How Do Healthcare Providers Treat a Burn?

Your doctor will treat burns by thoroughly cleaning the wound and prescribing medication if necessary.

You may also need to get a tetanus shot if you’ve not had one in the last 10 years, as you can contract tetanus through an open wound on the skin.

If you have severe burns, your doctor may give you intravenous (IV) fluids to maintain your blood pressure and prevent shock and dehydration.

In severe cases, a skin graft will be performed by removing the burnt skin and transplanting healthy skin onto the affected area.

4 Ways to Promote Wound Healing after a Burn

You can treat minor burn blisters at home by following various self-care practices. Some advice to treat burn blisters and ensure they heal well include:

Wash the blister area

Immediately after your burn injury, use cool water and mild soap to gently wash your burn. Keep the burn area under water for 5 to 10 minutes. Next, gently pat the burn dry with a clean, soft towel.

Apply ointment

You can apply a petroleum-based ointment or jelly to the burn to soothe pain and discomfort and help it heal. 

If your burn wound becomes infected, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to clear the infection. Apply the ointment as often as your doctor recommends, without exceeding the prescribed amount.

Keep it clean and covered

Cover your burn with a loose, clean bandage such as non-stick gauze. Change your bandage at least once a day. Burns can become infected if they are not adequately covered and cleaned.

Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers

You may want to take OTC pain medication if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. Popular options include acetaminophen or ibuprofen, although you should speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before you take these medications.

What to Avoid When You Have a Burn Blister

If you have a minor burn that can be treated at home, there are certain things you should avoid, such as:

Popping the blister

When you pop a burn blister, it can become infected and take longer to heal. Burn blisters should be left intact and covered with a bandage to protect the skin from further damage and infection.

There is a chance that a burn blister will rupture on its own. It’s important to handle this situation carefully to promote healing and prevent infection.

If your burn blister pops, you should:

• Carefully clean the area

• Apply antibiotic ointment

• Cover it with a new bandage

Directly exposing your burn to ice

Placing ice, water that is too cold, or ice packs directly on the burn area can lower your body temperature too much and cause further pain and damage to the skin tissue. 

Instead, wrap an ice pack in a thin cloth before applying it to the burn area to prevent tissue damage.

Using household products

Many people think that applying household products like butter, oil, or eggs may help a burn blister, but this is not true. Avoid applying anything but ointment to the area.

It’s also important to refrain from using any products containing fragrances, such as sprays, lotions, or creams, on the blister.

Scratching your burn

Burn blisters may itch as they heal, which is a part of the natural healing process. Avoid scratching or picking at a burn blister, even if it itches. This can cause the blister to rupture, which could cause infection.

Using tight bandages

When you wrap the burn in a bandage, ensure you’re not applying it too tightly. Doing so will put additional pressure on the blister and may limit the blood flow it needs to heal properly.

Wearing tight clothing

Tight clothing can rub against your wound or cause friction, increasing your pain and delaying the healing process.

How to Prevent Burns

There are several practical strategies you can follow to prevent burns and stay safe:

Wear sunscreen

If you’re going to be outdoors and in the sun for a longer period of time, ensure that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. 

You should also try to spend as much time in the shade as possible. This should help to prevent sunburn, which can cause burn blisters.

It’s important to remember that certain medications, such as doxycycline, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburn. 

If you are taking any medication, be sure to consult your healthcare provider about sun exposure to avoid sunburn.

Dress for the temperature

Frostbite, which results from exposure to extreme cold, can cause burn blisters on the skin.

To avoid frostbite, always dress in weather-appropriate clothing before exposing yourself to cold climates. If your skin does become frostbitten, you can slowly raise your body temperature using warm water.

Keep hot appliances locked away

Any appliances that become hot while being used should be safely locked away after use, especially if you have children or vulnerable family members in your home.

Store matches and lighters safely

Keep lighters, matches, and anything else that may cause burns stored safely and out of reach of children.

Lower your water heater

To prevent scalding, lower your water heater to 120°F or lower. Always test the water you will touch by placing your elbow in it first. This is especially important when bathing babies or children.

Take care in the kitchen

Always be cautious when handling hot items or working near a fire, as accidents happen quickly in the kitchen. Also, make sure you never leave food on the stove unattended. 

Where Can I Learn More about Treating a Burn Blister?

At LifeMD, you can consult a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner online from the comfort of your own home.

Our healthcare professionals can provide advice and guidance to ensure your minor burns heal safely and that you have the right medication to manage any pain or discomfort. And they can also make a recommendation about seeking immediate, in-person care if necessary. 

Visit our website to book your online appointment and skip the waiting room.

Theresa Vergara, CNP-BC

Theresa is a Certified Nurse Practitioner with a Masters in Human Nutrition and a Doctorate in Nursing from Columbia University. Theresa has treated hospitalized patients and helped patients manage chronic and acute conditions.

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