[Herbalist] Aloh

[Mary Temple]

Actually, you're not supposed to pop blisters - the fluid is a protectant.
Once you pop it, you increase the risk of infection. And fungi aren't really
a problem for people w/ "normal" immune systems - it's those of us with
chronic diseases that have to worry about them, and even then they're rare
in something like that.

The best thing to do with blisters is to stop whatever caused it (like
changing shoes if it's a friction blister) and cover it with a sterile, dry
dressing like gauze (or even a bandaid until you can get home and clean it).
Once they've popped (ON THEIR OWN) or the fluid has reabsorbed, you don't
even need to cover it.

Mary/Katerine
(a Type I diabetic of 21+ years who still has all of her fingers and toes,
but plenty of foot calluses that started out as blisters)

>Sounds like the purple, yucky stuff is normal for an irritated blister.
>It could get like that from being covered too tightly, especially if
>you've put something wet (i.e. aloe) on it first.  Aloe isn't
>anti-fungal, anti-bacterial or anything like that.  By keeping it moist
>and covered, you're creating a great breeding ground for nasties.  The
>dry skin is normal - that skin will flake off soon enough.  You won't
>revitalize it by moistening it.
>
>Now that your blister has broken, aloe can help heal it.  But aloe will
>dry out if it's not covered, and keeping it moist and covered is bad as
>you've seen.  So, go ahead and put some aloe on it regularly, but don't
>expect it to stay wet.  If you really need to moisten it, I'd use a drop
>of vitamin E oil.  I wouldn't cover it anymore, unless there is a
>specific infection threat (like you're handling raw chicken.)  I usually
>only cover a blister on my heel for a short time after I pop it, then
>only when I have to wear shoes that will rub on the spot, taking the
>bandage off later.  Otherwise, I wear sandals that leave it open.  Keep
>it clean - easier to do on a hand than on a foot.  But, let it dry out
>so nasties can't breed in there.
>
>-Magdalena
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