All About Blister Plasters
Blisters are areas of raised skin with a small pocket of liquid trapped inside. They form when the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) separates from the skin layers beneath. Blisters form on the hands and feet due to continuous pressure or rubbing, most frequently caused by new, uncomfortable, or ill-fitting shoes or repetitive motion.
Blister plasters are a popular product to use to either reduce the chance of blisters forming or protect them. With such a wide range of plasters to choose from, we will unpack why you should use specially formulated blister plasters rather than regular plasters for the best results.
This article will discuss some of the most common questions about blister plaster use, including: How do blister plasters work? What do blister plasters do? Should I put a plaster on a blister? And explain how to apply blister plasters correctly.
Can you put a plaster on a blister?
Many people wonder “can you put normal plasters on blisters?” And “should you put plasters on blisters?” The simple answer is yes.
Putting a regular fabric plaster or a washproof hypoallergenic plaster on a blister will offer some benefits and form a protective layer between the blister site and your shoes. Our specially designed blister foam plasters have an extra layer of foam padding to make a thicker, protective layer as well. These are ideal for products to wear with new or uncomfortable shoes as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of blisters forming in the first place.
When a blister has formed due to repetitive contact and rubbing, our cushioned blister plasters are the ideal way to protect already formed blisters while they heal. Similarly to the blister foam plasters, you should put a thick gel blister plaster on at the first sign of rubbing to protect the area. Our blister plasters are designed with a thick gel to protect you from rubbing, pressure, and impact. Their size and shape mould around the area of the blister, usually the heel of the foot. They are made from a durable, flexible material that moves and stretches with your skin so it will stay in place while the blister heals, acting like a second skin.
The strong adhesive border of blister plasters is designed to stay in place for several days to create a protective barrier against external elements. The thick gel pad, sealed securely, helps to maintain a moist environment over the blister due to its high water content.
So, choose blister plasters to protect sensitive areas from blisters, or put them over formed blisters. If you’re wondering: can I put a blister plaster on a burst blister? And can you put blister plasters on broken skin? Yes, if your blister has burst, a blister plaster will protect the open skin from bacteria and germs.
Can you use blister plasters on open wounds?
So, you can use regular plasters on a blister when you don’t have access to a blister plaster, but can you use blister plasters on cuts or open wounds?
If you’re referring to a burst bluster as an open wound, then yes. Use a blister plaster on a blister before it’s formed, or at any time after it has appeared, even if it’s popped and the fluid inside has come out.
However, for a cut, graze, or open wound, use a standard plaster such as hypoallergenic washproof plasters or stretchy fabric plasters to cover and protect the area. For a larger wound, make sure to clean the area and dress it with a wound dressing or plaster strip that you can cut to the correct size.
How do blister plasters work?
So, what do blister plasters do and how do they work?
The thick gel layer that covers the blister area absorbs exudate, maintaining a clean environment. The blister plaster should be changed at least once a week.
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Why has my blister plaster gone white?
If you’ve used a blister plaster before, you may have seen that the blister area appears to change colour and turn to a white-ish colour. But why do blister plasters go white?
Don’t worry if a white colour forms underneath the thick gel layer. This is simply a sign that the plaster is absorbing fluid and doing its job. The white patch is simply the excess fluid from inside the blister that has been absorbed into the thick gel layer.
Instructions: How to apply blister plasters
Follow these instructions, so you know how to use blister plasters safely and effectively.
- Ensure the area is clean and dry before applying the plaster.
- Remove the blister plaster from its protective pouch.
- Peel away the paper pieces numbered one and two to expose the adhesive layer. Make sure not to touch the adhesive layer with your fingers.
- Apply the plaster directly over the blister. The thick gel layer should cover the blister site completely.
- Ensure that all the adhesive edges are stuck to the skin and are fully sealed to protect the blister.
- Remove the piece of backing paper, numbered three, by lifting the white tabs from the middle of the plaster.
- Keep an eye on your blister plaster and replace it when needed.
Important:
- Do not intentionally burst the blister.
- If the blister becomes reddened, swollen or painful underneath the thick gel layer, remove it and seek medical advice.
- Do not use a blister plaster if the packaging is damaged.
- Blister plasters are single-use only. Once removed, dispose of the plaster safely.
- Store blister plasters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How long to leave a blister plaster on:
After application, you might be wondering how long do blister plasters take to work, how long should you leave blister plasters on for, and how often should you change blister plasters?
This will depend on your blister, its seriousness, and how long your natural healing process takes. The best way to tell if your blister plaster is ready to remove is if:
- You can see the white patch has formed, and liquid has been absorbed.
- There is a visible space between the thick gel layer and the skin, meaning swelling has reduced.
- If the adhesive edges are starting to come loose and be less adhesive.
These signs mean that the blister plaster is ready to be removed.
How to remove blister plasters
In terms of how to get a blister plaster off safely, ensure you have clean hands and gently pull away the adhesive from one side, slowly taking care not to re-open the healing wound.
If you have accidentally reopened the blister wound and can see any liquid coming out, dry the area with a clean tissue and apply a fresh blister plaster, repeating the process.
Can you use blister plasters on acne?
You might have heard about the viral craze for using blister plasters to treat acne. We cover everything you need to know about it on our blog.
In short, the agent in some blister plasters can be used on spots and acne. They work by protecting the skin they cover and absorbing exudate that comes out of spots.
We stock absorbent blister plasters as part of our wide range of plasters and dressings.
Blister Plasters: Where to buy
Now that you know how blister plasters work, it’s important that you choose the right product. Steroplast’s Cushioned Blister Plasters are ideal for heel blisters, and blisters underfoot, over toes, or along the sides of the foot.
We also offer Blister Foam Plasters designed to help prevent blisters in areas prone to friction. They create a protective barrier between your skin and your shoe, providing cushioning to reduce rubbing and discomfort.
Are you a pharmacist looking for blister plasters to stock? Contact us today and order a sample pack to test out in your retail unit.
We’re experts in the areas of first aid and wound care products. Check out our full range of plaster retail packs. We help shop owners stock their whole first aid section with ease. Buy plasters in bulk here, all packaged up and ready to go on the shelf.
- Steroplast Hydrocolloid Plasters.
- Steroplast Fabric Dressing Strips.
- Steroplast Blister Foam Plasters
- Steroplast Large Plasters
- Steroplast Cushioned Plasters
- Steroplast Clear Assorted Plasters
- Steroplast Assorted Fabric Plasters
- Steroplast Washproof Assorted Plasters
Looking to stock up on plasters for the family? Our Family Plasters Bundle provides everything you need to treat cuts, blisters, and grazes at home.
Our B2B products are ideal for the healthcare supply chain and businesses that need a constant stock of plasters and dressings. Buy from us for highly customised orders to meet your exact requirements. We supply plasters in many different shapes, sizes, and quantities.
- Sterochef Blue Plasters. Find out more about blue catering plasters.
- Sterostrip Clear Plasters
- Steroflex Stretch Plasters
- Sterochef Blue PE Strapping
- Steroplast Elastic Fabric Plasters. Voted the best in the UK for durability and price.
- Steroplast Adhesive Dressing Strips
- Sterostrip Hypoallergenic Washproof Plasters
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