Treating and Preventing Painful Deroofed Blisters

Understanding Deroofed Blisters

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form between the upper layers of skin. They are commonly caused by friction, burns, or skin conditions. Deroofing a blister refers to removing the top layer of skin covering the fluid-filled pocket.

Deroofing should only be done on intact blisters where the skin covering remains unbroken. It is not recommended for blisters that have torn open on their own, as this increases the risk of infection. Some reasons people may choose to deroof a blister include:

• To drain the fluid and relieve pressure/discomfort
• To apply medication directly to the blister
• To prevent further friction on the fragile blister covering

However, deroofing also comes with risks like infection, slower healing, and scarring. It is generally only recommended for severe or very painful blisters that have not ruptured.

Treating a Deroofed Blister

If you do need to deroof a blister, proper aftercare is crucial for healing. Here are some tips for treating a deroofed blister:

Clean the Area

First, wash your hands and clean the blister area with mild soap and water. Be very gentle when cleaning a deroofed blister, as the underlying skin is raw and sensitive.

You may also want to apply an antibiotic ointment or cream after cleaning to prevent infection. Topical antibiotics like Neosporin can help keep bacteria out of the wound. Just be sure to use a very thin layer of ointment only on the blister itself.

Apply a Sterile Bandage

Cover the deroofed blister with a sterile gauze pad or bandage. This will protect the raw skin and absorb any fluid or drainage from the blister. Change the bandage 1-2 times per day or whenever it becomes saturated.

Use additional gauze or padding if the blister is in an area that will get frequent friction or pressure. This helps prevent re-injury of the sensitive skin.

Consider Using Blister Pads

Special blister pad products like Compeed or Spenco 2nd Skin can also help create a protective layer over a deroofed blister. These cushioned pads absorb drainage and friction, providing a sterile cover that promotes healing.

Look for blister pads containing hydrocolloid, silicone, or gel to help with drainage absorption. Secure the pad in place with medical tape if needed.

Avoid Re-roofing the Blister

It may be tempting to try to cover a deroofed blister by reattaching the skin flap that was removed. However, this can lead to further pain and damage. The top layer of skin is already compromised and unlikely to re-adhere properly.

Allow the raw skin underneath to heal instead. Keep it covered with a bandage for protection until fully healed.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Check the blister daily for signs of infection like increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or pus/discharge. Infected blisters may need oral antibiotics from your doctor to clear up.

See a doctor promptly if you notice any signs of infection starting. Catching it early makes it much easier to treat.

Keep the Area Moist

Use petroleum jelly or a moisturizing cream to keep the skin around the blister hydrated. Dry skin can crack, causing pain and slowing new skin cell growth.

Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can dry out skin. Use moisturizer after cleaning/treating the blister to keep new skin cells supple.

Avoid Pressure on the Blister

Try not to put any friction or pressure on the deroofed blister until fully healed. Cover with padding if needed. Walking softly, wearing loose shoes, or skipping certain activities can help.

This protects the raw skin and prevents further damage or pain. Give blisters time to heal before resuming your normal activity level.

Elevate the Area

Keeping the affected area elevated can help reduce swelling and discomfort. For blisters on the feet, prop up your legs on a footstool when possible.

Elevating hands or arms can also help fluid drain away from blisters for faster healing. Combine with ice packs to relieve blister pain and inflammation.

Consider Pain Medication

Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve discomfort associated with a deroofed blister. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Topical lidocaine creams or hydrocortisone ointments may also provide targeted pain/itch relief on blistered skin.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, you can treat a deroofed blister at home with proper wound care. However, see your doctor if:

• The blister shows any signs of infection like pus, redness, or warmth
• The blister is very large or in a high-friction location
• You have diabetes or other conditions that impair healing
• The blistered area does not start to heal within a few days
• You develop a fever along with the blister

For people with diabetes or circulation issues, even small blisters can pose complications and may need professional treatment.

It's always better to be safe and have a doctor evaluate any blister that seems concerning. They can provide prescriptions if needed to clear up infection or speed healing.

Preventing Blisters

While a deroofed blister needs proper treatment, preventing blisters in the first place is ideal. Here are some tips to help avoid those painful fluid-filled sores:

• Wear properly fitted shoes that don't rub your feet
• Smooth out wrinkled socks so they don't chafe your skin
• Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry
• Use gauze or mole skin to pad blister-prone areas
• Wear gloves for activities involving tools or friction
• Take occasional breaks if doing repetitive motions with your hands
• Keep your skin hydrated with lotion to avoid cracking

Pay attention to any hot spots or irritated areas developing on your feet or hands. Treating these friction points promptly can prevent blister formation.

Avoid popping or tearing blisters open, as this leads to deroofing and increases infection risk. Protect intact blisters with padding until they heal.

When to Seek Medical Care

While most minor blisters can be cared for at home, see a doctor right away if:

• The blister covers a large area or looks infected
• You have a fever along with new blisters
• Blisters develop without an obvious cause like friction or burning
• You have red streaks extending from the blister
• You have multiple blisters appear suddenly

These can be signs of an underlying skin condition, infection, or more serious issue needing medical treatment. It's always better to have new blisters evaluated, especially if you are diabetic or immuno-compromised.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Head to an emergency room right away if you experience:

• A blister accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Extensive blistering covering large body areas
• Blisters with severe pain, swelling, or redness
• A blister on the eye or genitals

These can potentially indicate a serious allergic reaction, burn, or skin infection needing urgent treatment. Severe or rapidly worsening blisters should always be evaluated in an ER.

The Bottom Line

Deroofed blisters require careful treatment and protection to heal properly. Keep the area clean, covered, and moisturized while avoiding friction or pressure. Over-the-counter medications can provide pain relief as needed.

See a doctor for any signs of infection, complications with healing, or if new unexplained blisters develop. While deroofing intact blisters is not generally recommended, prompt attention and good wound care can help resolve deroofed blisters and prevent further issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.