Blister First-Aid

[becka]

When I picked DS up from daycare yesterday he had a BIG blister on the end of one of his big toes. The teachers noticed it when they went to change him into his swimming clothes before they went out to play.

Since his shoes fit fine I am thinking this is the result of the sock being bunched up at the end of the shoe when his shoe was put on and the friction rubbed the blister. DH put his shoes on yesterday morning and he said that he didn't bother to straighten/pull up his socks before he put his shoe on (he has since been told that he needs to do this although I thought it was obvious) so I can't think of any other reason.

Anyway everything I read said to leave the blister alone unless it was large and/or somehow "in the way". It was preventing DS from really walking and preventing him from wearing shoes so last night we sterilized a needle and I drained it. He didn't seem to really be bothered by the draining (except for having to sit still) and the fluid was still clear so I thought we were OK. This morning when he woke up the blister was filled with fluid again. Why would that happen? Anyway I was hesitant to drain it again this morning so I just put some good fitting socks on him and put his sandals on so that he would not have a shoe rubbing against it all day.

I still need to decide what to do tonight. Do I need to drain it again or will that be dangerous? Should I puncture the blister more than once when I drain it? Will I have to drain it every morning and for how long?

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[philaround]

I know that whenever I get a blister I have to drain it several times. That little hole you make with a needle closes up pretty quickly. When fluid is no longer filling up the sack you should carefully cut away the dead skin. Be sure to keep the area clean and disinfected.