I was under the impression that the scalpel blade was more for lancing blisters & abcesses, removing splinters, shrapnel, bits of aircraft, etc. rather than use as a knife. I once got bit by a cat. The bites got sealed up, hot & swollen, obviously infected. I used the incision & drainage method that was the only way before antibiotics were discovered. This cleared up by the second day. I have had blisters on my feet that were so painful that walking was impossible. Opening & draining solved that although it is not the official way. The medical people want you to leave them alone to avoid infection. Probably good advice if you have a sedan chair and bearers to carry you.