To treat blisters on feet effectively, follow these expert-recommended steps:

For Intact (Unpopped) Blisters

• Avoid popping or draining the blister to reduce infection risk.
• Leave the blister uncovered or cover it loosely with a nonstick bandage or gauze.
• Try to avoid pressure or friction on the blistered area. For blisters on the bottom of the foot, use a donut-shaped moleskin pad around the blister to relieve pressure

For Blisters That Have Popped

• Gently wash the area with warm water and mild soap; avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine.
• Smooth down the remaining skin flap without removing it.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to prevent infection.
• Cover loosely with a sterile bandage or gauze and change the dressing daily or if it becomes dirty or wet

When and How to Drain a Blister

• If a blister is very large, painful, or in a spot where it will likely burst, it may be drained safely:
  • Wash your hands and the blister area thoroughly.
  • Sterilize a needle with rubbing alcohol.
  • Make a small hole at the edge of the blister and gently squeeze out the fluid.
  • Do not remove the skin flap; smooth it down over the raw skin.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.
  • Keep the area clean and covered until healed

Additional Tips

• Wear well-fitting shoes and moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters.
• Use padding or blister bandages that create a moist healing environment to speed recovery.
• Avoid returning to the activity that caused the blister until it heals fully.
• Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, pus, warmth, swelling, red streaks, fever, or worsening pain, and seek medical attention if these occur

By following these steps, most foot blisters will heal within one to two weeks without complications