Do blisters after burns need to be treated?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Lei

Introduction

In general, whether blisters resulting from burns require treatment depends on factors such as the size, severity, and stage of the blister. If discomfort occurs or if you are unsure how to manage the blister, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Avoid friction or pressure on the blistered area in daily activities to prevent accidental rupture. When treating the wound, use sterile instruments and avoid contact with unclean objects.

Generally, whether blisters that appear after a burn require treatment depends on factors such as the size, severity, and stage of the blister. If there is discomfort or uncertainty about how to manage it, prompt medical attention is recommended. Specific details are as follows:

If the blisters are small in size, few in number, unbroken, non-oozing, and occur during the early recovery phase of the burn, they usually do not require intentional puncturing. These blisters can help protect the newly forming skin tissue underneath, reduce the risk of external contamination, and should be left intact. Keeping the area clean and dry allows the blisters to be gradually reabsorbed and heal naturally.

If the blisters are large, interfere with daily activities, or show signs of rupture, significant fluid leakage, redness, swelling, or increasing pain—indicating possible infection—timely intervention is necessary. Under clean, disinfected conditions, the fluid within the blister should be drained while preserving the overlying blister skin to protect the wound bed, avoiding direct removal which could expose the wound.

In daily care, avoid friction or pressure on blistered areas to prevent accidental rupture. Use sterile instruments when handling wounds and avoid contact with unclean objects. If signs such as pus formation, fever, or delayed healing occur, seek medical attention promptly and follow healthcare provider instructions for further wound care and treatment.

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What medication should be used for scald burns from boiling water?

Commonly used medications for scald burns include mupirocin ointment, moist burn ointment, recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel, ibuprofen tablets, and loratadine tablets. The wound should be cleaned before applying any medication, and the choice of drug should be made according to the severity of the burn and symptoms, following medical advice. Seek prompt medical attention if the burn covers a large area, is deep, or is accompanied by fever. Mupirocin ointment: suitable for superficial burns with risk of infection.

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In which diseases is septic shock commonly seen?

Common diseases associated with septic shock generally include severe pneumonia, acute suppurative cholangitis, acute pyelonephritis, intra-abdominal infections, and extensive burns complicated by infection. Pulmonary infections, when severe, are particularly prone to trigger septic shock. Pathogens invading the lungs cause inflammatory spread, allowing large amounts of toxins to enter the bloodstream. This activates the body's immune response, disrupts vascular tone regulation, and subsequently induces septic shock.