Treatment of Blood Blister on the Finger
Leave the blood blister intact and cover it with a sterile, non-adherent dressing to protect it from further trauma. 1, 2
Immediate Management
Do not drain or rupture the blister. The intact blister roof acts as a natural biological barrier that protects against infection, improves healing, and reduces pain. 1, 2 This recommendation is based on evidence from human studies and animal experiments demonstrating that leaving blisters intact optimizes outcomes. 1
Initial Care Steps
Remove any jewelry or constricting items from the affected finger immediately before swelling occurs to prevent vascular compromise. 1, 2
Clean the area gently with tap water or antimicrobial solution without breaking the blister. 3, 4
Apply a bland emollient such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to support barrier function and reduce moisture loss. 3, 4
Cover with a non-adherent sterile dressing or band-aid to protect from further trauma and contamination. 4, 5, 6
When to Consider Drainage (Only If Necessary)
If the blister is extremely large, tense, or likely to rupture spontaneously due to its location, drainage may be considered: 3, 7
Pierce at the base with a sterile needle, bevel up, selecting a site that allows gravity drainage. 3
Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze to facilitate drainage and absorb fluid. 3
Leave the blister roof intact as a biological dressing—do not remove it. 1, 3, 2
Monitoring for Complications
Watch for signs of infection, which include increasing redness, warmth, purulent drainage, or systemic symptoms like fever. 3, 4
If infection develops, obtain wound culture and consider topical antibiotics (such as bacitracin applied 1-3 times daily) or oral antibiotics depending on severity. 4, 5
Change dressings using aseptic technique to minimize infection risk. 3, 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not intentionally rupture the blister as this increases infection risk and delays healing. 1, 2
Do not apply ice directly to the area as this can cause tissue damage. 1, 2
Do not use prolonged topical antibiotics prophylactically—reserve these for actual infection. 2
Avoid tight or circumferential dressings that could compromise circulation. 1
Follow-Up
Most blood blisters on fingers heal spontaneously within 1-2 weeks with conservative management. 8, 9 Seek medical attention if the blister shows signs of infection, fails to heal, or if there are concerns about underlying injury to deeper structures. 4