Natural ways to quickly heal a blister

Blisters are the worst! We all know how terrible it is to leave home wearing a new pair of shoes only to come home limping, your ankles and toes plagued by blisters. Blisters are the body's response to injury or pressure. When the skin is damaged, a blister forms to cushion the area from further damage as the top layer of skin heals. 

Though you may be tempted to pop a blister, you should refrain from doing so. Popping a blister can cause infection or slow the healing process. The fluid will eventually escape naturally and the blister will collapse and heal on its own. Though the blister will usually heal itself, there are steps you can take using products in your home to speed the healing process and prevent blisters altogether. 

The anti-inflammatory properties in green tea can work wonders on blisters. To make a green tea foot bath, brew three tea bags in boiling water. Add a teaspoon of antiseptic baking soda, and allow the solution to cool. Pour the mixture into a foot bath and let the green tea work its magic. This will also help soften the blister, encouraging the fluid to drain more quickly. 

This cure-all may prevent the blister from becoming infected. Though it is likely to sting, Dab apple cider vinegar on the blister. To soothe the sting, after application, wash the blister with hydrogen peroxide and cover with an antibacterial ointment. 

Try applying castor oil to the site of the blister before going to bed so it can soak into the blister overnight. The oil should help the blister dry out and heal more quickly. 

The astringent compound can help in the processes of drying, cleaning, and healing the blister. Try applying witch hazel with a cotton ball. 

You may think aloe vera is only helpful in soothing sunburn. But in fact, the gel from this cactus plant is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can also help heal foot blisters. It also keeps the skin hydrated and reduces the risk of infection.

Soaking your feet in a foot bath filled with warm water and one to two tablespoons of Epson salts can reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of infection. Coat your feet in petroleum jelly or vitamin E oil following the foot bath to further speed up the healing process. 

If you are heading out on a long hike or breaking in new shoes, apply organic antiperspirant to your "hot spots" or the problem areas where you most often experience blisters. You can also use anti-chafing balm.

This essential oil is available in most grocery stores. Tea tree oil has strong anti-bacterial properties and is highly astringent. This means tea tree oil not only fights infection, but it also dries blisters. Try applying tea tree oil on blisters that have already popped.  

Blisters are an unfortunate fact of life. But we don't need to suffer from them!