FIRST AID TREATMENTS ( BLISTERS )

FIRST AID TREATMENTS are information needed to help us in times of medical emergencies. This week i would be discussing a few first aid treatment for a couple of health emergencies. I hope this pieces of  information comes in handy someday. Today we are starting with BLISTERS

Blisters are small pockets of fluid that usually form in the upper layers of skin after it's been damaged. Blisters can develop anywhere on the body but are most common on the hands and feet. Fluid collects under the damaged skin, cushioning the tissue underneath.
 If a blister isn't too painful, try to keep it intact. Unbroken skin over a blister may provide a natural barrier to bacteria and decreases the risk of infection. Cover it with an adhesive bandage. If you're allergic to the adhesive used in some tape, use paper tape.
Seek medical care if the blister is painful or prevents you from walking or using one of your hands. Consider taking the following self-care measures if med
ical help is not available.

How to drain a blister

To relieve blister-related pain, drain the fluid while leaving the overlying skin intact. Here's how:

• Wash your hands and the blister with soap and warm water.
• Swab the blister with iodine.
• Sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol.
• Use the needle to puncture the blister. Aim for several spots near the blister's edge. Let the fluid drain, but leave the overlying skin in place.
• Apply an ointment (Vaseline, Plastibase, other) to the blister and cover it with a nonstick gauze bandage. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment.
• Change the dressing every day. Apply more ointment and a bandage.

Blister prevention

To prevent friction blisters on your feet, wear shoes that fit well. It also helps to use moisture-wicking socks. Try the various socks, shoes and insoles that are designed specifically to help reduce blistering. You might also try attaching moleskin to the inside of your shoe where it might rub or dusting the inside of your socks with talcum powder. Gloves help prevent blisters on your hands.
 Wear work gloves. Jobs you do only occasionally, such as shoveling snow or raking leaves, are great for raising a blister or two.Break in new shoes gradually and put petroleum jelly or an adhesive bandage on areas that take the rub -- before the blister happens.

 But if you need to pop a blister:

• Use a sterilized needle or razor blade (to sterilize it, put the point or edge in a flame until it is red hot, or rinse it in alcohol).
• Wash your hands
•  and the area thoroughly, then make a small hole and gently squeeze out the clear fluid.
• If the fluid is white or yellow, the blister may be infected and needs medical attention.
• Do not remove the skin over a broken blister. The new skin underneath needs this protective cover.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream.
• Look for signs of infection to develop, including pus drainage, red or warm skin surrounding the blister, or red streaks leading away from the blister.