Author Topic: HUGE blister  (Read 3627 times)

Decani

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HUGE blister
« on: 00:30:50, 30/07/17 »
Hi, I did a nice 18 mile walk today with heavy sack and now have a patch of raw skin, 4 or 5 cm in diameter. Any suggestions how I cover it, I don't think blisteze make anything that big?!


I put a blisteze on this morning but clearly the big patch was already building from the last few weekends away.


Rather painful to say the least!


Thanks

Bhod

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #1 on: 09:04:10, 30/07/17 »
Compeed is what you need.
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Decani

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #2 on: 09:07:00, 30/07/17 »
Thanks, but aren't blisteze and compeed comparable? Anyway, I've been using them but my problem is they aren't big enough: the raw skin is 4 to 5 cm in diameter

sussamb

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #3 on: 10:05:37, 30/07/17 »
So the blister has appeared, burst and the skin rubbed raw? In that case I wouldn't use either compeed or any other 'blister' plaster. 
What you need is a non adherent gauze to cover the area and then tape it firmly in place, or a specialised dressing that does the same.
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Glyno

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #4 on: 11:33:26, 30/07/17 »
Compeed is what you need.


not on raw skin it isn't.

ninthace

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #5 on: 11:45:14, 30/07/17 »
Sussamb is right.
 Compeed was what you needed when you felt the first rub/hot spot. Blisters never improve with walking, stop and treat at the first sign, don't wait for the blister to appear. Time to have a look at the cause too.
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Mel

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #6 on: 12:00:28, 30/07/17 »
Can I also suggest letting the fresh air get to the area whenever possible to help it dry out.

Bhod

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #7 on: 13:12:19, 30/07/17 »
Quote
not on raw skin it isn't.

Beg to differ -

Taken from the National Prescribing Centre's 'Nurse Prescribing Bulletin' (www.npc.co.uk/nurse_prescribing/bulletins/modWound2.3.htm - 7k )

"Hydrocolloid sheets are occlusive and are suitable for clean, granulating or necrotic wounds with low to moderate exudate. They are often used as primary dressings for minor burns and pressure sores. The frequency of hydrocolloid dressing change is determined by the amount of exudate produced. Although the average time for redressing is 3-5 days, dressings can sometimes remain in place for up to seven days. A hydro-colloid which requires changing more often than every three days, may indicate that a more absorbent product is needed "


Compeed (Hydrocoloid sheet) is designed to be kept in place to promote a barrier between the wound and anything else, including bacteria.
« Last Edit: 13:18:56, 30/07/17 by Bhod »
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sussamb

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #8 on: 13:40:18, 30/07/17 »
You're confusing two products designed for different things.  Compeed do not recommend applying their products to raw skin as far as I'm aware.
« Last Edit: 13:45:14, 30/07/17 by sussamb »
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Bhod

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #9 on: 13:44:08, 30/07/17 »
Thanks, but aren't blisteze and compeed comparable? Anyway, I've been using them but my problem is they aren't big enough: the raw skin is 4 to 5 cm in diameter

You can get larger size (10cmx10cm) sheets of hydrocolloid dressings, DuoDerm is one brand name in particular that is available via the internet.
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Bhod

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #10 on: 13:46:50, 30/07/17 »
You're confusing two products designed for different things.  Compeed do not recommend applying their products to raw skin as far as I'm aware.

Sorry no I am not, Compeed is a brand name for a hydrocolloid gel plaster, just as DuoDerm is, effective for both the prevention AND treatment of blisters. 

Taken from Compeed website -

"Should a blister form, action should be taken to minimise complications. Try to avoid wearing anything that rubs and apply a pressure relieving pad such as a COMPEEDŽ Blister patch. Applying a COMPEEDŽ Blister Patch can help prevent further progression of the blister as the cushioning layer forms a barrier against friction. The patch contains hydrocolloid technology which creates an optimum environment for wound healing while instantly reducing pain. Its also waterproof & helps protect the wound from harmful bacteria & dirt. The patch should not be removed too soon, wait until it starts to lift at the edges and then it can gently and easily be peeled off in the bath. Do not deliberately burst the blister but if it does open clean it with mild soapy water, soak it in a salt water footbath for 10 minutes and cover with a protective pad such as COMPEEDŽ."
« Last Edit: 13:50:43, 30/07/17 by Bhod »
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tonyk

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #11 on: 13:47:46, 30/07/17 »
Beg to differ -

Taken from the National Prescribing Centre's 'Nurse Prescribing Bulletin' (www.npc.co.uk/nurse_prescribing/bulletins/modWound2.3.htm - 7k )

"Hydrocolloid sheets are occlusive and are suitable for clean, granulating or necrotic wounds with low to moderate exudate. They are often used as primary dressings for minor burns and pressure sores. The frequency of hydrocolloid dressing change is determined by the amount of exudate produced. Although the average time for redressing is 3-5 days, dressings can sometimes remain in place for up to seven days. A hydro-colloid which requires changing more often than every three days, may indicate that a more absorbent product is needed "


Compeed (Hydrocoloid sheet) is designed to be kept in place to promote a barrier between the wound and anything else, including bacteria.

 I have had quite a lot to do with pressure sores over the last two years and no one has suggested treating them with compeed! Cavillon cream and gauze,or a specialist dressing is the way to go.How would you remove compeed without damaging skin if the blister/pressure sore proved to be infected? For the wound that the OP mentioned gauze,with or without cream,would be the way to go,or as Mel Suggested,letting the air to it provided you can keep the wound clean.If in doubt go to your GP and ask to see a community nurse as they are the experts at dealing with these kind of wounds.

 Compeed is more of a preventative dressing put on at the first time sign of trouble

sussamb

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #12 on: 14:07:04, 30/07/17 »
Do not deliberately burst the blister but if it does open clean it with mild soapy water, soak it in a salt water footbath for 10 minutes and cover with a protective pad such as COMPEEDŽ."


A burst blister is a different animal to a blister rubbed raw, which is what the OP appears to have. I should add I agree with Mel and tonyk to air the blister if that is possible,  my reply assumed the OP wanted to continue walking.
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Bhod

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #13 on: 14:54:52, 30/07/17 »

A burst blister is a different animal to a blister rubbed raw, which is what the OP appears to have. I should add I agree with Mel and tonyk to air the blister if that is possible,  my reply assumed the OP wanted to continue walking.

By blister "rubbed raw" I presume you mean that the epidermal layer of skin (the top of the blister bubble) has been rubbed off?  Then this is exactly where Hydrocolloidal dressings come into play, to replace the all important protective "bubble", by sealing the wound against ingress of dirt, bacteria etc whilst protecting the raw skin underneath and allowing it time to heal.  The only reason why brand names don't suggest using on blisters that have burst but still have the skin intact is because people very rarely follow the instructions and decide to pull the patch off before it has done it's job and thereby ripping the skin off in the process. 

Putting a non-adherent dressing on (as suggested earlier), will exacerbate the problem, you aren't removing the friction that caused the blister in the first place, merely adding another level of friction causing material into the equation.   

Methods of and products for treatment have advanced considerably over the past couple of years,  I know what has worked for me in the past and I know what has failed (and should the occasion arise again what my course of action will be),  and as such it was my personal experiences that led me to my recommendation for treatment of the OP's problem.   He's free to make up his own mind as the course of action/treatment to take, will be interesting to hear which and what the outcome is.

 TonyK -  pressure sores and blisters are two entirely different things, a pressure sore is as it says, caused by pressure, breaking down tissue leading to an ulceration of the skin, a blister is caused by friction, more akin to a burn, remedial treatments for both are different which is why you won't have heard of using hydrocolloidal patches in the treatment of extreme pressure sores.

« Last Edit: 16:06:26, 30/07/17 by Bhod »
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jimbob

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Re: HUGE blister
« Reply #14 on: 16:32:47, 30/07/17 »
Not exactly sure I get your last statement about the cause of blisters Bhod, we may actually be singing from the same hymn sheet when I state that blisters are caused by "sheer" pressure between layers of skin. The friction part of it comes into play as the grip on a top layer of skin causes it to slide on a deeper layer.  Bed sores and pressure sores can also be caused by "sheer" pressure though not always.  The only studies into any of these areas seem to be in relation to bed sores. And there are a few learned papers available via Google.  However you are correct in that the use of those Hydrocolloidal dressings on the affected area is beneficial and downright protective provided they are allowed to fall off on their own accord. However, give Sussamb some benefit, as the method he describes is clearly more beneficial on the understanding that if the "patient" has not cleaned the wound correctly his method can remedy infection with less damage to the foot. I would hate to think of a badly cleaned blister under a Hydrocolloidal dressings festering away for the period that it takes to fall off naturally. I tend to use sanitised wipes on my feet before applying compeed  I stop instantly I feel a hotspot or discomfort. However, blisters tend not to bother me as I've only ever had one and that was due to me ignoring uncomfortable socks.
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