How to heal cuts, blisters and sores fast!

Cuts, blisters and sores are an inconvenience that we all face on a regular basis. Whether its gardening, hiking, working around the house, cooking, sport or just plain bad luck there are many different ways to damage the skin. It is our largest organ after all, and here’s a few tips for looking after your skin.

Contrary to the popular idea that “airing out” a cut or sore will help it heal, it can in fact delay healing and increase risk of infection. The best method is to keep all cuts and sores covered with a non-adhesive dressing such as Cutiplast (available at our clinic) or melolin and hypafix and change after once per day after showering or getting wet. An antiseptic liquid or cream such as betadine or dettol should be applied for one week to prevent infection.

Dressings should be used until the surface of the wound has fully closed over otherwise scarring is more likely to occur. Dressings may look bad in the short term, but you’ll be thankful you took the time and effort if the wound has healed faster, cleaner and without complications through proper care.

It is also important to keep an eye on the colour of skin- if it stays red and swollen, or is hot and itchy there may be infection present- see your podiatrist (or GP if not on the feet/legs) for treatment and advice.

Blisters are best left intact and dressed to allow for the body to heal and absorb the fluid. If they are on the feet and painful, it is best not to pop the blister yourself, but see one of our podiatrists who will undertake a full assessment and reduce and risk factors for the forming of blisters in the future (eg shoes, sweaty feet, orthotic issues).