A member asked:

I burned my arm 2 days ago w/ oil. i'm using antibiotic ointment & covering. i have a blister & can feel liquid sloshing around, should i drain it?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Marybeth Lambe answered

Specializes in Travel Medicine

No: If a blister is intact do not open or drain it. An unopened blister acts as nature's bandaid. The liquid acts as a burn material, helping the underlying skin heal. If using antibiotic ointment be certain not to use neosporin for prolonged time (over 3 days) as the neomycin can cause skin sensitization and actually make the skin red and irritated.

Answered 9/7/2019

5k views

Thank

No protect it: An unpopped blister represents a closed sterile environment. Yes on occasion one can become infected then it is time to open it, however the risk of infection in a dressed open wound is still higher than that of an intact blister. The blister will gradually resolve with time.

Answered 12/10/2013

4.9k views

Thank

Related Questions

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more