What is the treatment for a toe blister (vesicle)?

From the Guidelines

To treat a toe blister, gently cleanse the area with an antimicrobial solution and pierce the blister at the base with a sterile needle to facilitate drainage, while avoiding deroofing the blister. This approach is based on the guidelines for managing blisters, as outlined in the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of pemphigus vulgaris 2017 1. The key steps in treating a toe blister include:

• Gently cleansing the blister with an antimicrobial solution to prevent infection
• Piercing the blister at the base with a sterile needle to facilitate drainage, taking care to select a site where the fluid will drain out by gravity
• Gently applying pressure with sterile gauze swabs to absorb fluid and promote healing
• Avoiding deroofing the blister, as this can increase the risk of infection and scarring
• Applying a nonadherent dressing to protect the blister and promote healing
• Offering analgesia prior to the start of the procedure, as many patients report pain or a burning sensation during blister care 1. It is also essential to be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increasing pain, redness, warmth, pus, or red streaks, and to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage The treatment for a toe blister (vesicle) is to:

• Clean the affected area
• Apply a small amount of bacitracin on the area 1 to 3 times daily
• The area may be covered with a sterile bandage 2

From the Research

Treatment of Toe Blisters

The treatment for toe blisters (vesicles) involves several steps to promote healing and prevent infection.

• Early aspiration of the fluid and protection of the blister roof are recommended 3, 4, 5.
• Draining intact blisters and maintaining the blister roof may result in the least patient discomfort and reduce the possibility of secondary infection 5.
• Treating deroofed blisters with hydrocolloid dressings can provide pain relief and allow patients to continue physical activity if necessary 5.
• Proper care of the blister site is essential to ward off infection, a possible complication of both spontaneous rupture and therapeutic draining 4.

Prevention of Further Irritation

To prevent further irritation and promote healing, it is essential to:

• Wear properly fitted shoes that are broken in slowly 3.
• Use protective padding over potential sites of blister formation 3.
• Apply drying foot powders and use nonslip insoles 3.
• Correct any underlying biomechanical foot defects and use protective padding on blister-prone areas 3.