What is the medicine for blisters? A Guide to Treatment and Relief

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Research has shown that friction blisters are a common ailment for active individuals, with studies documenting that between 16% and 95% of runners and hikers experience them [1.7.1]. Understanding 'What is the medicine for blisters?' is key to effective treatment and preventing complications.

Quick Summary

The appropriate medicine for a blister depends on its cause and severity. Treatment ranges from over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and specialized bandages to prescription oral medications for infections or underlying conditions.

Key Points

Initial Care: For most friction blisters, leave them intact to heal naturally; the skin acts as a protective barrier [1.8.2].
OTC Ointments: For broken blisters, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to prevent infection [1.2.2].
Hydrocolloid Bandages: These are a superior option for healing, as they absorb fluid and create a cushioned, moist environment [1.4.6].
Infection Signs: See a doctor if a blister has pus, spreading redness, warmth, or increasing pain, as you may need prescription antibiotics [1.6.1, 1.6.2].
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage blister-related pain [1.2.4].
Prescription Treatments: Viral blisters (like cold sores or shingles) require antiviral drugs, while autoimmune blistering requires immunosuppressants [1.9.3].
Medical Consultation: Individuals with diabetes or poor circulation should consult a doctor even for minor blisters due to a higher risk of complications [1.6.5].

Understanding Blisters and Initial Care

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin's outer layer due to friction, heat, or certain medical conditions [1.5.5]. The fluid-filled sac serves as a natural cushion, protecting the underlying skin from further damage and infection. For most common friction blisters, the best initial approach is to keep them clean and protected [1.5.2].

First Aid for Unbroken and Broken Blisters

For a small, unbroken blister, the goal is to prevent it from rupturing. It's best to leave it intact, as the overlying skin provides a sterile barrier [1.8.2]. You can cover it loosely with a bandage or use a donut-shaped moleskin pad to relieve pressure, especially on weight-bearing areas like the foot [1.8.1].

If a blister breaks on its own, it's crucial to prevent infection:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the area [1.8.3].
Gently clean the area with mild soap and warm water. Avoid harsh substances like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can slow healing [1.5.4, 1.8.3].
Do not remove the flap of skin over the blister unless it's very dirty or torn. Smooth it down over the raw skin [1.5.4].
Apply an antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin or Bacitracin, to the area to help prevent bacterial growth [1.2.2].
Cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze, changing it daily or if it gets wet or dirty [1.2.2].

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines for Blisters

The primary OTC medicines for common blisters focus on preventing infection and promoting a healing environment. These include topical ointments and specialized bandages.

Topical Antibiotic Ointments

For open or drained blisters, applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment is a key step in preventing infection [1.2.2]. Products containing bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B are effective for superficial skin infections [1.3.4]. These ointments create a barrier against bacteria while keeping the wound moist.

Hydrocolloid Bandages

Hydrocolloid bandages are an advanced treatment option. These waterproof dressings absorb fluid from the blister, forming a gel-like cushion that protects the wound, relieves pain, and creates an optimal moist healing environment [1.4.4, 1.4.5]. Studies have shown that hydrocolloid cushions can outperform ordinary bandages in pain relief and healing time for foot blisters [1.4.6]. They should be applied to a clean, dry wound without any additional ointment, as this can prevent the bandage from sticking [1.4.3].

Pain Relievers

Oral pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) can be used to manage the pain associated with blisters, especially if they are large or in a sensitive area [1.2.4, 1.9.2].

Comparison of Blister Treatments


Treatment Type	Best For	How it Works	Key Considerations
Standard Bandage	Small, unbroken blisters	Provides a simple protective cover from friction and dirt [1.8.5].	Needs to be changed daily. Offers minimal cushioning.
Antibiotic Ointment	Drained or open blisters	Kills or prevents the growth of bacteria to prevent infection [1.3.4].	Should be applied before covering with a non-stick bandage.
Hydrocolloid Bandage	Clean, open or intact blisters	Absorbs wound fluid to form a protective gel cushion, promoting moist wound healing and reducing pain [1.4.5, 1.4.6].	Stays on for several days; do not use with ointments [1.4.3, 1.4.4].
Moleskin Donut	Intact blisters on high-pressure spots (e.g., heel)	A padded ring that sticks around the blister to reduce direct pressure and friction [1.8.1].	The blister itself remains uncovered in the center of the 'donut'.

Prescription Medications for Blisters

In some cases, a blister requires medical attention and prescription medication. This is common when a blister becomes infected or is caused by an underlying medical condition.

Treating Infected Blisters

Signs of an infected blister include the presence of yellow or green pus, increased pain, swelling, redness spreading from the site, and skin that is warm to the touch [1.6.1, 1.6.4]. If you notice these signs, see a doctor. Treatment for an infection may include:

Topical Antibiotics: A doctor might prescribe a stronger antibiotic ointment, such as mupirocin, which is used to treat skin infections like impetigo [1.3.5].
Oral Antibiotics: For more severe or widespread infections like cellulitis, a course of oral antibiotics is necessary [1.3.3]. Common choices include cephalexin, dicloxacillin, clindamycin, or doxycycline, depending on the suspected bacteria [1.3.1, 1.9.5].

Blisters from Medical Conditions

Blisters are not always caused by friction. They can be a symptom of various diseases, and treatment involves addressing the root cause.

Viral Infections: Blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (cold sores) or herpes zoster (shingles) are treated with prescription oral antiviral medications like valacyclovir or acyclovir to help sores heal faster and relieve pain [1.3.6, 1.9.3].
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like pemphigus or pemphigoid cause the immune system to attack the skin, resulting in blisters. Treatment involves medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids (prednisone) or other immunosuppressive drugs [1.9.1, 1.9.3].
Eczema: Severe eczema can cause blistering. Treatment may involve corticosteroid creams or pills to control the inflammation [1.9.3].

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention for a blister if:

You see signs of infection (pus, spreading redness, warmth, increased pain) [1.6.2].
You develop a fever [1.6.1].
You have multiple blisters and don't know the cause [1.5.5].
The blister is extremely large and painful [1.5.3].
You have underlying health conditions like diabetes or poor circulation, as even minor skin injuries can lead to serious complications [1.6.5].

Conclusion

The right medicine for a blister depends entirely on its origin and condition. For a simple friction blister, protecting it and keeping it clean may be all that is needed. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and hydrocolloid bandages are excellent tools for managing opened blisters and promoting healing. However, if a blister is caused by a medical condition or shows signs of infection, prescription medications, including oral antibiotics or antivirals, are essential. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent, severe, or infected blisters to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

For more information on proper wound care, you can visit Johns Hopkins Medicine [1.5.6].

Frequently Asked Questions

For an open friction blister, the best OTC treatment is an antibiotic ointment (like bacitracin or Neosporin) to prevent infection, covered by a bandage [1.2.2]. For an intact or open blister, a hydrocolloid bandage can provide cushioning, reduce pain, and speed up healing [1.4.6].

No, you should avoid popping a blister if possible. The skin covering the fluid protects the raw skin underneath from bacteria and infection [1.5.6]. If it's very large and painful, a doctor can drain it safely [1.5.3].

Signs of an infected blister include yellow or green pus, increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness spreading away from the blister [1.6.1, 1.6.4]. You might also develop a fever [1.6.1]. If you see these signs, consult a healthcare provider.

For a mild infection, a doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic like mupirocin [1.3.5]. For a more serious infection, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin, clindamycin, or doxycycline may be prescribed [1.3.1].

Yes, hydrocolloid bandages are effective on clean, open blisters. They absorb the fluid, form a protective gel, and promote a moist healing environment [1.4.5]. Ensure the skin is clean and dry before application and do not use any other ointments underneath it [1.4.3].

If a blister pops, gently wash the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a sterile bandage [1.8.3]. Do not peel off the remaining skin flap, as it protects the new skin underneath [1.5.4].

While initial first aid is similar (cleaning and covering), treatment can differ. All burns that blister should be evaluated by a doctor. Treatment may require specialized burn creams. Friction blister treatment focuses on reducing pressure and preventing infection with antibiotic ointments or hydrocolloid pads [1.2.2, 1.4.6, 1.6.5].