Blister

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Blister
Synonyms	Vesicle, Bulla
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fluid-filled skin lesion
Complications	Infection, ulceration
Onset	Rapid
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Friction, burns, freezing, chemical exposure, infection
Risks	Repetitive motion, ill-fitting shoes, sunburn
Diagnosis	Physical examination
Differential diagnosis	Contact dermatitis, herpes simplex, impetigo
Prevention	Protective clothing, moisturizer, proper footwear
Treatment	Drainage, antibiotics, dressing
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

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Friction Blisters On Human Foot

Second degree burn after 2 days

blister-arm

Blister refers to a small pocket of body fluid (lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus) within the upper layers of the skin, typically caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure, or infection. Blisters can also arise from certain skin diseases. They are a common occurrence and, while they can be painful and annoying, most are not a sign of anything serious and will heal without any major interventions.

Causes

Blisters are most commonly caused by:

• Friction: Repeated rubbing of the skin can cause friction blisters, often seen on the hands and feet.
• Burns: Thermal (heat or fire), chemical, and sunburns can damage the skin and lead to blister formation.
• Freezing: Frostbite can damage skin layers and result in blisters once the skin is rewarmed.
• Infection: Certain infections, such as chickenpox, herpes simplex, and impetigo, can cause blisters.
• Skin diseases: Diseases like eczema, pemphigus, and dermatitis herpetiformis are known for causing blisters.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The primary symptom of a blister is a raised portion of the skin filled with fluid. Blisters can be painful, especially if they are in areas subject to pressure or friction. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, and the underlying cause can often be determined based on the location, appearance, and history of the blister. In some cases, additional tests may be required to rule out skin diseases or infections.

Treatment

Treatment for blisters generally involves relieving symptoms and preventing infection. Basic care includes:

• Cleaning the area with mild soap and water.
• Covering the blister with a sterile bandage or dressing.
• Avoiding popping or draining the blister, as this can lead to infection.

In cases where blisters are caused by burns or infections, additional medical treatment may be necessary. For chronic or severe blistering conditions, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Prevention

Preventing blisters involves reducing friction and protecting the skin. Tips include:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes and moisture-wicking socks to reduce foot blisters.
• Using gloves or padding to protect hands during repetitive tasks.
• Applying sunscreen to prevent sunburns.

See Also

• Dermatology
• Skin care
• Wound healing

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