In this article, we explain when the characteristics and cause of a blister may make it advisable for a person to pop it. We also provide tips for popping a blister safely and speeding up healing.

A blister is a fluid-filled sac that develops on the outer layer of the skin. Burns, friction, and certain skin conditions can cause blisters. Smaller blisters are called vesicles, and larger ones are called bulla.

The body naturally produces blisters to help cushion and heal damaged skin. It is usually best to try to avoid popping them, but if a blister is large or very painful, a person may need to drain it to reduce discomfort.

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Share on Pinterest Blisters usually heal by themselves in 1–2 weeks.

In most cases, blisters do not need treatment and will heal on their own within 1–2 weeks.

Keeping the blister intact will allow the skin underneath to heal more quickly. The blister provides cushioning and protects the damaged area from germs while new layers of skin develop underneath.

Whether it is safe or advisable to pop a blister depends on several factors, including what caused it.

Friction blister

Friction, or rubbing, can irritate the skin and cause a blister. Ill-fitting or tight shoes, for example, can rub the skin for a prolonged period, resulting in a blister forming.

This type of blister will usually heal on its own if a person keeps it clean and dry. Popping it will increase the likelihood of germs getting into the wound and causing an infection.

However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it may be advisable to drain a friction blister that is large or very painful to ease the discomfort.

Burns

Heat, electricity, and sunlight can burn the skin and lead to blistering. Chemical burns can also cause blisters.

Historically, doctors labeled burns as either first, second, or third degree. Now, they prefer to classify burns according to their depth. There are three main types of burn:

Superficial burns , which are mild burns that affect the outer layer of skin. They do not typically cause blisters.

, which are mild burns that affect the outer layer of skin. They do not typically cause blisters. Partial thickness burns , which affect the outer skin and some tissue in the deeper layers of skin. These burns may blister.

, which affect the outer skin and some tissue in the deeper layers of skin. These burns may blister. Full thickness burns, which affect the deepest layers of skin.

Most household burns and sunburns are either superficial burns or minor partial thickness burns. There may be a small amount of blistering, and the area will look red and a little swollen. It will also be painful.

People should not pop a blister that occurs due to burning.

Read about treatments for burn blisters here.

Eczema

Share on Pinterest Blisters can appear during a flare-up of eczema symptoms.

Image credit: Peter L Johnson, 2011.

Dyshidrotic eczema is a common form of eczema that can cause itchy, dry skin and small, deep-seated blisters on the hands or feet. These blisters are usually itchy and painful.

Eczema is a long-term condition for which there is no cure, and the symptoms tend to come and go over time. Blisters can appear during a flare-up of symptoms, which stress or a rise in temperature can trigger.

These small blisters usually clear up in 2–3 weeks. They may burst on their own, but people should avoid popping them.

Viral infections

Certain viral infections can cause blisters. These include infections with the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, and the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores or fever blisters.

Doctors will typically advise people to avoid scratching or breaking open chickenpox or shingles blisters as doing this can leave a scar. Instead, a person can try applying calamine lotion to the skin or adding baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to a cool bath to help reduce the itching.

Cold sores usually appear close to the mouth, often on or next to the lips. They may be in the form of a single blister or a cluster of blisters.

Cold sore blisters will usually go away by themselves in a week or two. It is important to avoid popping, scratching, or touching these blisters as this can spread the virus to other areas of skin, causing further outbreaks.