Popping blisters

Is an unpopped blister a chatzitzah? I have developed two blisters on one foot and one on the other, and I generally try to avoid puncturing blisters, prefering instead to let them heal back into the body on their own. I know that, generally, flaps of dead skin are supposed to be removed before immersing in the mikvah (which I am planning to do this coming Sunday night).

Must I puncture the blisters to release the fluid before going to the mikvah or treat them in any other special way? If I do, or if they happen to pop on their own, how much effort should be made to remove the remaining dead skin? (I'm worried that if I scrub too hard and remove too much skin, I will increase the risk of infection.)

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

It is preferable not to pop the blisters. Since they are a natural part of your body and would not come off without intervention, they do not constitute a barrier. If they happen to pop on their own, they will be clean after soaking in the tub. You should cut off any hanging or ragged dead skin, but there is no need to try and trim off every millimeter - especially if it will cause you pain or harm.

This internet service does not preclude, override or replace the psak of any rabbinical authority. It is the responsibility of the questioner to inform us of any previous consultation or ruling. As even slight variation in circumstances may have Halachic consequences, views expressed concerning one case may not be applied to other, seemingly similar cases.

If you have further questions or comments about this email, please click here to Ask the Yoetzet.

The Nishmat Women's Health and Halacha is a public service of Nishmat, The Jeanie Schottenstein Center for Advanced Torah Study for Women. This project and others like it are made possible by contributions from people like you. If you have benefitted from the service, and wish to enable us to help others, click here to donate.