Materials Needed:

*Note: All of the images of items below are from London Drugs, you do not need to get the exact items they are just a visual guide to assist you. If you need recommendations or links to products please ask and we can provide them.

– Sterile saline solution

– We recommend sterile non piling gauze pads (if these are not available you can also use clean cotton non piling swabs or pads that you find generally in the makeup section of a drug or grocery store, but these are generally not sterile so use at your own risk). The gauze pads come in different sizes, we recommend buying the larger size and cutting them to a size that fits with your needs.

– Polysporin or a generic brand of antibiotic ointment

– Latex gloves (optional, but recommended for hygiene)

If covering the area is needed:

– Scissors (clean with alcohol or wash with soap and dry with gauze pad or clean towel)

– Medical tape, there are a number of sizes and types but we recommend buying the more heavy duty “waterproof” version so that it stays put

– An alterative suggestion to secure the bandage is self adhering wrap 

– A large roll or rolls of gauze, you don’t want to run out so its best to err on the side of purchasing more than you need

– Sterile non-stick pads

Important Notes

Do Not Pop Blisters Intentionally: If there are still intact blisters, avoid popping them, as this can increase the risk of infection.

Avoid strenuous activity: Activities like the gym, sports, or anything that can cause increased friction in the area from clothing or movement. If your occupation requires any activities that could increase your risk consider going on light duty, taking a few days from work, or at the very least if those options are not possible be very mindful of the area. 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Wash Your Hands

Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing any bacteria to the affected area. If available, wear clean gloves.

Prepare the Area

Make sure the surrounding area is clean. Remove any clothing or objects that could come in contact with the treatment area.

Clean the Affected Area with Saline

Prepare the Area: Before starting, place a clean towel under the affected area to catch any excess saline and keep the surrounding area dry.

Flush the Area: Gently flush the affected area with sterile saline solution. Pour the saline directly from the bottle onto the blistered area to help remove any debris, bacteria, or fluid buildup. Make sure not to use all the saline 

Clean with Saline: After flushing, pour a small amount of sterile saline solution onto a non-pilling gauze pad or cotton pad. Gently dab the area to further cleanse it. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause irritation or further damage to the skin.

Gently Dry the Area

Use a new, dry, non-pilling gauze pad to gently pat the area dry. Do not rub; just let the gauze absorb any excess saline.

Apply Polysporin

With a clean cotton swab or a freshly washed fingertip, apply a thin layer of Polysporin or your preferred antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Be sure not to use too much, as this can prevent proper airflow and delay healing.

When To Cover The Area 

If the blistered area is in a location that might come into contact with clothing or be prone to dirt and bacteria or has popped, we suggest covering just the blistered or popped blister(s) (weeping area first with a sterile non stick pad), then wrapping the entire treatment area in gauze and securing it with medical tape. It’s important at this stage to allow the area to breathe which will assist in the healing process and reduce the risk of scarring, so wrap the area tight enough to secure the non stick pad but not so tight that you restrict air flow completely. 

Prepare the Area: First follow the instructions listed above.

Apply a Sterile Non-Stick Pad: Place a sterile non-stick pad directly over the blistered or weeping area. Ensure the pad fully covers the affected skin to protect it from friction, dirt, and bacteria. This pad will help absorb any excess fluid and prevent sticking to the wound.

Wrap with Gauze: Take a roll of non-pilling gauze and gently wrap it around the entire treatment area, securing the non-stick pad in place. Make sure to cover the area adequately without overlapping the gauze too tightly.

Secure with Medical Tape or self adhering wrap: Use medical tape or self adhering wrap to secure the ends of each section of the gauze wrap.

Ensure Proper Airflow: Check that the wrap is secure enough to hold the non-stick pad in place, but not so tight that it restricts airflow. Allowing the area to breathe is important to assist in the healing process and reduce the risk of scarring.

Here is a step by step video that details how to properly wrap your treatment area with just using non piling gauze (recommended once the area is somewhat healed) and how to wrap only one end of a non-stick gauze pad (you need to wrap either both ends or the entire area) with flexible tape (recommended when you have intact or “popped” blisters):