Burn blisters are a common occurrence after someone suffers a minor or moderate burn injury. The blisters form over the burned area as a protective response, helping to shield damaged skin underneath. While burn blisters can cause pain and discomfort, they serve an important biological function. However, many people wonder whether burn blisters will eventually pop on their own. In this article, we’ll provide a quick overview of burn blisters, look at the factors that determine if they’ll rupture spontaneously, and offer tips for caring for burn blisters safely at home.
What are burn blisters?
A burn blister forms when the top layers of skin, called the epidermis, become damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Burns damage the skin quickly, killing skin cells and injuring nearby blood vessels.
In response, the body rushes wound healing substances such as collagen and fibrin to the area. These substances cause leakage of fluid from the blood vessels and accumulation in the spaces between skin layers. This fluid fills and lifts the layers of the damaged epidermis, creating a fluid-filled blister over the burn site.
The blister acts as a cushion over damaged skin, insulating the sensitive nerve endings underneath. The fluid inside also contains growth factors and cells that promote healing. So while blisters can be uncomfortable, they are a protective response that aids the healing process.
First degree burns
First degree or superficial burns only damage the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. Sunburn is a common example. These burns may be red, painful, and swollen. Mild first degree burns may not blister. If they do, the blisters are typically small.
Second degree burns
Second degree or partial thickness burns go deeper into the skin, injuring the epidermis and part of the dermis layer underneath. These burns cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. The blisters tend to be larger than those from first degree burns.
Third degree burns
Third degree or full thickness burns destroy both the epidermis and dermis. The burn may appear white or charred. These most serious burns can permanently damage sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerves. Because the nerves are damaged, third degree burns are often relatively painless. And because the deeper skin layers and blood vessels are damaged, third degree burns typically don’t blister.
Will a burn blister eventually pop on its own?
Whether a burn blister pops on its own depends on several factors:
Size of the burn blister
Larger burn blisters are more likely to rupture spontaneously than smaller ones. The bigger the blister, the more tension placed on the overlying skin layers. Too much tension can lead the blister to finally rupture and drain.
Thickness of the skin overlying the blister
The skin over a burn blister is already damaged and weakened. Thinner skin has less structural integrity to contain the fluid inside the growing blister. Areas like the hands, arms, and legs tend to have thinner skin that may not withstand the increasing pressure.
Location of the burn blister
Burn blisters located on parts of the body that regularly bend or move are more prone to popping. This includes areas like joints, hands, feet, and the neck. Friction and mechanical stress from movement can cause the blister to finally open up.
Severity of the initial burn
More serious second and third degree burns result in larger, more fluid-filled blisters. The greater amounts of fluid place more stress on the overlying skin layers, increasing the chances the blister will rupture on its own.
State of the overlying skin
If the burn destroyed the epidermis entirely, there may be no intact skin layers left to contain the blister fluid. Alternately, hardened dead skin over the blister could crack open. In either case, this can lead to spontaneous blister rupture.
Infection
If bacteria enter a burn blister, infection can develop. Infections weaken the blister wall and cause inflammation that places even more pressure inside the blister. Infected blisters are very likely to rupture.
Should you pop a burn blister?
It’s often best to leave a burn blister intact. The fluid provides padding over damaged skin and contains growth factors to stimulate healing. However, there are some cases where a healthcare provider may recommend draining or removing a blister:
– The blister is large, tense, and at risk of rupturing on its own. Draining some of the fluid may relieve pressure and pain.
– The blister is located over a joint or high friction area. Popping and draining it can allow for greater mobility and prevent further irritation.
– Signs of infection are present. Draining the blister can allow for cleaning and application of antibiotics to the site.
– The detached blister skin hinders wound evaluation or application of medication. Healthcare providers may de-roof or remove intact blisters for better wound access.
Popping burn blisters at home is not recommended. Doing so greatly raises the risks of infection and scarring. Only a qualified healthcare provider should drain or remove burn blisters.
How to treat burn blisters at home
For mild-to-moderate burns with blisters, proper at-home care can promote healing and prevent complications like infections. Try to keep burn blisters intact if possible. Recommended care includes:
Cleaning
Use mild soap and cool water to gently clean the area around blisters. Avoid breaking blisters open. Cleaning helps prevent infection.
Moisturizing
Apply an oil-free moisturizer around intact blisters to soften dry, cracked surrounding skin. Softer skin is less likely to tear open blisters. Do not apply creams or ointments directly on broken blisters.
Cool compresses
Applying cool wet compresses can ease pain and inflammation. Make sure compresses are clean to avoid infection risk.
Elevation
Elevate limbs with blisters higher than the heart when possible to reduce swelling.
Loose non-stick dressings
Cover intact blisters with loose sterile gauze or non-stick dressings to avoid friction with clothing. Change dressings daily.
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage pain per label instructions. Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding risks.
Antibiotics
See a healthcare provider at the first signs of infection like increased pain, redness, warmth, pus, or fever. Infections may require antibiotic therapy.
Signs it’s time to seek medical treatment
While many minor burns with blisters can be treated at home, see a doctor if you experience:
– Blisters covering large surface areas of the body
– Severe pain that over-the-counter medication does not alleviate
– Signs of dehydration like dizziness, weakness, or dry mouth
– Extensive skin reddening or dark discoloration
– Significant swelling that restricts movement
– Drainage of cloudy fluid or pus
– Foul odor coming from the blistered area
– Increased redness, heat, pain, or pus signaling infection
– Fevers over 101 Fahrenheit
– The burn resulted from electricity, chemicals, or flames
– The person with the burn has an underlying condition like diabetes or poor circulation
Conclusion
Burn blisters form as a protective response after skin injury from heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Mild-to-moderate burn blisters often do not need to be popped or drained. Leaving them intact helps cushion damaged skin underneath and promotes healing. However, burn blisters may rupture on their own in some cases, especially if they are large, in high friction locations, or become infected. While it’s not recommended to pop burn blisters at home, a healthcare provider may carefully drain or debride serious blisters showing signs of infection. With proper care, most burn blisters heal naturally over time with minimal scarring. See a doctor right away if a burn blister shows signs of infection, covers a large surface area, or comes with other concerning symptoms requiring medical attention.
| Burn severity | Depth of skin damage | Signs and symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| First degree/Superficial | Epidermis only | Redness, pain, swelling, mild blisters |
| Second degree/Partial thickness | Epidermis and part of dermis | Redness, pain, blistering, moist wounds |
| Third degree/Full thickness | Epidermis and entire dermis | White/charred skin, numb, usually no blisters |
| When to seek medical attention for burn blisters |
|---|
| – Blisters covering large surface areas |
| – Severe, persistent pain |
| – Signs of dehydration |
| – Extensive skin darkening and swelling |
| – Drainage of pus |
| – Foul odor |
| – Increased pain, warmth, redness (signs of infection) |
| – Fevers over 101 F |
| – Electrical, chemical, or flame burns |
| – Underlying medical condition |
Key points
– Burn blisters form as a protective response, helping to cushion damaged skin and promote healing.
– Whether a burn blister ruptures on its own depends on factors like its size, location, infection status, and the severity of the initial burn.
– It’s usually best not to pop or drain burn blisters at home due to infection risks.
– Mild-to-moderate burn blisters can often be cared for at home by keeping them clean and covered.
– Seek medical attention if blisters are widespread, infected, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like high fevers.
– With proper care, most burn blisters will heal naturally over the ensuing days to weeks, minimizing the risk of scarring.