Friction blister

Friction Blister

A friction blister is a soft pocket of raised skin filled with clear fluid caused by irritation from continuous rubbing or pressure. Friction blisters usually occur on the hands or feet, where the skin is subjected to persistent rubbing.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Friction blisters are caused by three conditions: heat, moisture, and friction on the skin. The most common causes include wearing new or poorly fitting shoes, prolonged walking or running, and performing repetitive motions, such as shoveling or raking.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of a friction blister is a painful, raised area on the skin filled with fluid. The skin surrounding the blister may be red and swollen.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for friction blisters focuses on relieving pain and preventing infection. This can be achieved by:

Cleaning the blister with warm water and gentle soap.
Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
Covering the blister with a bandage or gauze pad.
Avoiding popping or draining the blister, as this can lead to infection.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention strategies for friction blisters include:

Wearing well-fitting shoes and clean, dry socks.
Using protective pads or bandages in areas prone to friction.
Taking breaks during repetitive tasks to allow the skin to rest.

References[edit | edit source]

Friction blister Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.