What is the treatment for sun blisters?

Treatment of Sun Blisters

Sun blisters should be treated by gently piercing them at the base with a sterile needle to drain the fluid while leaving the blister roof intact as a natural protective covering. 1

Initial Management

1. Blister drainage technique:

   • Gently cleanse the blister with an antiseptic solution 1
   • Pierce the blister at its base using a sterile needle with the bevel facing up 1
   • Select a drainage site where fluid will drain by gravity to prevent refilling 1
   • Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze to facilitate drainage 1
   • Do not remove the blister roof (epidermis) as it serves as a biological dressing 1
   • After drainage, cleanse again with antiseptic solution 1

2. Pain management:

   • Offer appropriate analgesia before the procedure as many patients report pain or burning during blister care 1
   • Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs may help with discomfort

Follow-up Care

1. Wound protection:

   • Apply a bland emollient such as 50% white soft paraffin and 50% liquid paraffin to support barrier function and encourage re-epithelialization 1
   • For larger or more painful areas, apply a non-adherent dressing to protect the area 1
   • Change dressings using aseptic technique 1

2. Infection prevention:

   • Monitor closely for signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, purulent discharge) 1
   • Daily washing with an antibacterial product can decrease colonization 1
   • If infection develops, obtain bacterial swabs and consider topical antimicrobials for short periods 1
   • Use systemic antibiotics only if there are local or systemic signs of infection 1

Special Considerations

1. For large blisters:

   • May need a larger hole or multiple punctures to drain properly 1
   • More careful monitoring for infection risk

2. For already broken blisters:

   • Remove only the loose, fluttering skin 1
   • Clean and apply appropriate dressing as above

3. For extensive sun blistering:

   • Consider antiseptic baths to help dry lesions and prevent infection 1
   • More vigilant monitoring for fluid/electrolyte imbalances may be needed

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Do not deroof intact blisters - removing the blister roof increases pain, delays healing, and raises infection risk 1

2. Avoid aspirating blisters - this causes more discomfort than piercing them 1

3. Don't ignore signs of infection - infection can increase scarring and lead to systemic complications 1

4. Don't use topical antibiotics routinely - only use if signs of infection are present 1

5. Avoid adhesive dressings directly on blisters - these can cause further skin damage when removed

The evidence suggests that proper drainage while maintaining the blister roof provides the best outcomes in terms of pain control, healing time, and reduced infection risk. This approach allows patients to continue normal activities while the skin heals underneath the natural protective covering.