If you have a painful blister, you're probably wondering: how long do blisters take to heal and what can you do to help? Whether you're dealing with blisters on the feet, blood blisters, sunburn blisters or other types, read on as we answer common questions about blisters, including:

• What is a blister and what causes them?
• How long do blisters last?
• How should I care for a blister?
• What will help a blister heal faster?

A blister could be the unfortunate result of walking too far in ill-fitting shoes, bug bites that cause blisters or inadequate sun protection. Because blisters on feet, toes and other areas can be painful, the first question coming to mind is likely, "How long does it take for a blister to heal?" Many also wonder, "Is there anything I can do to help a blister heal faster?" Read on for dermatologist-approved advice on how to care for blisters and help them heal.

What is a blister, and what causes them?

A blister is a bubble filled with fluid beneath the skin. It's your body's reaction to a skin injury or irritation, such as friction from shoes that causes blisters on feet or blisters on toes after a long walk. Other causes of blisters include:

• Friction blisters: Most commonly seen as blisters on feet and blisters on toes from ill-fitting shoes
• Heat-related blisters: Sunburn blisters from overexposure to UV rays
• Blood blisters: Caused by pinching or trauma that damages blood vessels under the skin
• Viral infections: Fever blisters (cold sores) caused by herpes simplex virus
• Auto-immune disorders or allergic reactions: Inflammation in the skin from a variety of causes that cause detachment of the epidermis and blister formation
• Other causes: Eczema, skin infections or injuries such as frostbite

A blister on the lip may indicate one of several conditions, such as a cold sore or even skin cancer. It should be evaluated by a dermatologist if it doesn't heal within a reasonable timeframe.

How long do blisters last?

Most blisters, including blisters on feet, blood blisters and sunburn blisters caused by irritation or injuries, heal on their own in a week or two. Blisters from a skin infection may require medical treatment and can persist for a number of weeks.

If your blister is small and not especially painful, it's best to cover it with a bandage, leave it alone and let your skin's natural healing process run its course. "Over time, the fluid inside the blister will reabsorb, and your skin will flatten out and return to normal on its own without disturbing it if possible. The skin provides the best barrier possible," says board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon and Mohs surgeon Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

How should I care for a blister?

Many people wonder, "Should you pop a blister?" when dealing with painful blisters on feet or other areas. Board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon and Mohs surgeon Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says, “Popping a blister is not the best option. I recommend giving your body the time it needs to heal the area underneath, if at all possible, as that will result in the best outcome and minimize scarring. If the blister does end up popping, then leave the blister ‘roof’ on the skin and let it serve as the body’s natural bandage for the sensitive skin underneath."

Never pop these types of blisters:

• Sunburn blisters, as risk of infection, pigmentation and scarring is higher
• Fever blisters or cold sores, because touching the blister fluid can spread the virus

How to heal a blister: Proper care steps

Learning how to heal a blister properly is essential for preventing infection and promoting faster recovery. Tending to a popped blister is easy to do at home with basic first-aid supplies.

First, don't pull or cut off the roof of the blister, as it can help protect the raw, sensitive skin underneath while it heals.

Next, keep the blister clean and covered to allow it to heal. Start by cleaning the area with soap and water. Then, carefully pat it dry before applying one of our recommended products below and covering it securely with a bandage.

“Never use Neosporin on your blisters,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “About 20% of people (possibly more) are allergic or will become allergic to the neomycin in Neosporin and end up getting horrible allergic reactions when it touches an open wound. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen a simple burn or scrape turn into something much more widespread when people used Neosporin on it. Instead, use either plain Vaseline or Polysporin, which doesn’t contain the allergen.”

Check your blister daily for signs of infection. If it becomes red, swollen or more painful, it's time for a doctor to take a look.

5 products to help blisters heal

Are you looking for more ways to help your blisters and other minor skin irritations heal more quickly? Stock your medicine cabinet with these five healing helpers.

FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Body Balm

This multipurpose balm is a must-have for your first-aid kit. It contains 1% hydrocortisone to mend irritated skin quickly while cocoa butter and shea butter keep skin hydrated. It comes in a convenient stick formulation that's both mess-free and melt-resistant. Perfect for blisters on feet or bug bites that blister. Importantly, suppose you are unsure of the cause of the blister and are uncertain whether an infection is present. In that case, it is best to avoid using FixMySkin and consult a dermatologist first.

NeoStrata Resurface Problem Dry Skin Cream

If you suffer from blisters due to eczema flare-ups, find relief with this healing salve, which soothes inflammation using beeswax and conditioning oils. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids—glycolic, mandelic and lactic—to exfoliate the built-up dead skin cells that lead to dry patches and calloused spots.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

This is a superb skin cream to keep on hand in case of severe sunburn blisters. Its fast-absorbing, moisturizing formula soothes sunburn blisters, allowing your skin to heal. Sensitive skin types can use it without worry, as it's free of dye, fragrance, lanolin, botanical extracts and parabens.

Stratpharma Stratamed Advanced Film-Forming Wound Dressing

Think of this healing gel as a bandage in a tube. After applying, it dries to form a thin, clear film that bends and flexes with your skin. It is bacteriostatic, meaning it protects blisters from germs and bacteria, preventing infection during the healing process. Excellent for blood blisters and blisters on toes. You can also use it for other skin wounds, such as bites, burns or scratches.

EltaMD Silver Gel

This wound-care gel works wonders to speed the healing of blisters, cuts and other skin irritations. Glycerin keeps the skin moist, allowing it to heal while silver nitrate's natural antibacterial properties prevent infection. You can use it with or without a bandage, making it ideal for healing a blister faster while avoiding complications.

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