What should I do if the burn blister has burst?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
When blisters break after a burn, infection is more likely to occur and healing may be impaired. Scientific management should follow principles such as cleaning the wound, protecting damaged skin, avoiding irritation, preventing infection, and monitoring changes in the wound. In daily burn care, remove the person from the heat source first; for mild burns, immediately rinse with cool water to reduce temperature. Proper scientific care after a burn can effectively accelerate wound healing and reduce adverse outcomes.
After a burn causes blisters to rupture, infection may easily occur and healing can be affected. It is important to properly manage the wound by following principles such as cleaning the wound, protecting damaged skin, avoiding irritation, preventing infection, and monitoring changes in the wound. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Clean the wound: After a blister has ruptured, gently rinse the area with sterile normal saline to remove surface exudate and any possible foreign residue. If saline is unavailable, cooled boiled water may be used instead. Handle gently during rinsing to avoid friction on the damaged skin and prevent secondary injury.
2. Protect damaged skin: Try to preserve the blister's outer skin, as it acts as a natural protective barrier. If the skin has already peeled off, cover the area with sterile gauze or a breathable medical dressing. Change the dressing regularly to keep the wound dry and clean, and avoid leaving the wound exposed directly to air.
3. Avoid irritating the wound: Do not apply toothpaste, soy sauce, herbal remedies, or similar substances to the wound. These may irritate the tissue, cause pain, increase the risk of infection, and interfere with a doctor’s assessment of the injury. Also avoid scratching or squeezing the wound to minimize external disturbances.
4. Prevent infection: Under medical guidance, apply a thin layer of an antibacterial ointment—such as mupirocin ointment—to the wound. Use a sterile cotton swab for application to avoid direct contact with hands, thereby reducing the risk of infection and creating a favorable environment for healing.
5. Monitor wound changes: Observe the wound daily. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice increased redness or swelling, worsening pain, pus-like discharge, or delayed healing. Additionally, keep the injured area elevated to reduce swelling and promote local blood circulation.
During daily management of burns, immediately move away from the heat source. For minor burns, cool the area under running cold water to lower the temperature. Proper, science-based wound care after burns can effectively accelerate healing and reduce complications.
