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Blisters



NHS Choices Syndication

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Blisters

Causes of blisters

Blisters are often the result of an injury to the skin from friction. This can be caused by shoes that rub, for example.

They can also occur when skin is exposed to excessive heat, such as sunburn or a scald, as a reaction to a chemical substance, or as a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

If the skin is exposed to friction or heat, it can tear the upper layer of skin (epidermis) from the layers beneath. The surface of the skin remains intact but is pushed outwards because serum (blood without red cells or clotting agents) collects in the newly created space between the layers of skin.

Friction

Friction blisters are common in people who are very active, such as sports players and those in the military. They are usually caused by poor-fitting shoes.

A blister can develop if the skin is rubbed for a long period or if there is intense rubbing over shorter periods.

Friction blisters often occur on the feet and hands, which can rub against shoes and handheld equipment, such as tools or sports equipment. Blisters also form more easily on moist skin and are more likely to occur in warm conditions.

Medical conditions

A number of medical conditions cause blisters. The most common are:

There are also several rarer conditions that can cause blisters. They are:

  • bullous pemphigoid – a skin disease that causes large blisters and usually affects people over 60 years of age 
  • pemphigus vulgaris  – a serious skin condition where blisters develop if pressure is applied to the skin; the blisters burst easily, leaving raw areas that can become infected
  • dermatitis herpetiformis – a skin condition that causes intensely itchy blisters, usually on the elbows, knees, back and buttocks; blisters usually develop in patches of the same shape and size on both sides of the body
  • epidermolysis bullosa – a group of rare inherited skin disorders that cause the skin to become very fragile; any trauma or friction to the skin can cause painful blisters
  • chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood – a condition that causes clusters of blisters to develop on the face, mouth or genitals
Published Date
2013-08-28 11:11:29Z
Last Review Date
2013-04-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-04-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Blisters,Skin


NHS Choices Syndication

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Blisters

Diagnosing blisters

Blisters from friction or heat usually have an obvious cause, such as sunburn, wearing shoes that rub or heavy manual work.

Blisters are easy to recognise as raised pockets of skin that contain fluid. Blood blisters are usually red or a darker colour.

Blisters that develop without apparent injury to the skin from heat or friction may be the result of a medical condition. If you develop blisters and you’re not sure why, see your GP. They will be able to investigate what’s causing them.

Published Date
2011-09-11 15:20:23Z
Last Review Date
2011-08-07 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2013-08-07 00:00:00Z
Classification
Blisters

Blisters – NHS Choices

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Blisters 

Introduction 

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Your browser appears to have Javascript disabled, to view the foot problems information in an accessible format please go to /Tools/Documents/foot_problems_a_visual_guide.html

Don’t burst blisters!

Even though it may be tempting, try not to burst a blister because it could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process.

If you have a large or painful blister, your GP may decide to decompress the blister under sterile conditions.

If a blister does burst, don’t peel off the dead skin on top of it. Allow the fluid inside the blister to drain and cover the area with a dry, sterile dressing to protect it from infection until it heals.

A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms in the upper layers of the skin.

It usually forms when the outer layer of the skin has been damaged. Fluid collects under the damaged skin, cushioning the tissue underneath. This protects the tissue from further damage and allows it to heal.

Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid called serum, which is the part of the blood that remains after red blood cells and clotting agents have been removed. However, blisters are sometimes filled with blood (blood blisters) or pus if they become inflamed or infected. 

Blisters can develop anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands and feet.

What causes blisters?

Blisters can be caused by:

  • friction to the skin
  • contact with chemicals, such as detergent
  • heat – for example, from sunburn or a scald
  • medical conditions, such as chickenpox and impetigo

Read more about what causes blisters.

When to see your GP

Most blisters heal naturally between three and seven days and don’t require medical attention.

See your GP if you have blisters that:

  • you think are infected
  • are very painful
  • keep coming back

An infected blister will be filled with yellow or green pus and may be painful, red and hot.

It’s important not to ignore an infected blister because it could potentially lead to secondary impetigo (a contagious bacterial infection of the skin) and further complications, such as cellulitis or sepsis.

You should also talk to your GP if you have blisters in unusual places, such as on your eyelids or inside your mouth, or if they appear after severe sunburn, burns or scalds or an allergic reaction, or after coming into contact with chemicals or other substances.

Read more about treating blisters.

Preventing blisters

There are a number of things you can do to avoid getting blisters caused by friction, sunburn or chemicals. For example, you can:

  • wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes
  • wear gloves when handling chemicals
  • use sunscreen

Read more about preventing blisters.

Page last reviewed: 30/04/2013

Next review due: 30/04/2015

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Foot care advice

Ten top tips on how to take care of your feet, including advice on preventing and treating problems

Nail abnormalities slideshow

Nail abnormalities: a visual guide

A visual guide to understanding what changes in the colour, thickness and texture of a nail might indicate.


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NHS Choices Syndication

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Blisters

Introduction

A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms in the upper layers of the skin.

It usually forms when the outer layer of the skin has been damaged. Fluid collects under the damaged skin, cushioning the tissue underneath. This protects the tissue from further damage and allows it to heal.

Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid called serum, which is the part of the blood that remains after red blood cells and clotting agents have been removed. However, blisters are sometimes filled with blood (blood blisters) or pus if they become inflamed or infected. 

Blisters can develop anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands and feet.

What causes blisters?

Blisters can be caused by:

  • friction to the skin
  • contact with chemicals, such as detergent
  • heat – for example, from sunburn or a scald
  • medical conditions, such as chickenpox and impetigo

Read more about what causes blisters.

When to see your GP

Most blisters heal naturally between three and seven days and don’t require medical attention.

See your GP if you have blisters that:

  • you think are infected
  • are very painful
  • keep coming back

An infected blister will be filled with yellow or green pus and may be painful, red and hot.

It’s important not to ignore an infected blister because it could potentially lead to secondary impetigo (a contagious bacterial infection of the skin) and further complications, such as cellulitis or sepsis.

You should also talk to your GP if you have blisters in unusual places, such as on your eyelids or inside your mouth, or if they appear after severe sunburn, burns or scalds or an allergic reaction, or after coming into contact with chemicals or other substances.

Read more about treating blisters.

Preventing blisters

There are a number of things you can do to avoid getting blisters caused by friction, sunburn or chemicals. For example, you can:

  • wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes
  • wear gloves when handling chemicals
  • use sunscreen

Read more about preventing blisters.

Published Date
2014-02-26 16:44:59Z
Last Review Date
2013-04-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-04-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Blisters,Blood


NHS Choices Syndication

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Blisters

Preventing blisters

There are several ways to prevent getting blisters from friction, sunburn or chemicals.

Blisters caused by a medical condition often cannot be prevented, so the cause will need to be treated by a GP.

Friction

Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and clean socks will help prevent blisters.

Blisters are more likely to develop on moist skin. If you have sweaty feet, wearing moisture-absorbing socks or changing your socks twice a day can help prevent them.

If you play sport or exercise regularly, wearing sports socks or thicker wool socks can help keep your feet dry and reduce your risk of getting a blister.

If you’re going for a long walk, wear shoes that fit properly, are comfortable and you have worn before. Brand new shoes that aren’t broken in may not be comfortable and may rub.

Stop immediately if you feel a hot area on your foot while walking, exercising or playing sport. If possible, tape some padding over the area.

Wear protective gloves when using tools such as shovels or pickaxes, and when doing manual work such as gardening. This will help prevent blisters developing on your hands.

Heat and sunburn

Be careful when dealing with heat such as steam, flames or boiling water. Make sure you use the right safety equipment in working environments that involve heat or chemicals.

Objects that get very hot, such as a stove or a kettle, should also be treated with care to avoid getting blisters caused by burns or scalds.

Use sunscreen when in the sun. Keep your skin covered with clothing to avoid getting blisters from sunburn. You should also wear a sun hat.

Moisturiser, aftersun or calamine lotion can help ease discomfort if you do get sunburnt.

Chemicals

Always wear protective gloves when handling detergents, cleaning products, solvents and other chemicals. Avoid any unnecessary contact with chemicals and be careful when dealing with them.

Published Date
2013-08-28 10:51:08Z
Last Review Date
2013-04-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-04-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Blisters,Sunburn

Blisters – NHS Choices

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Blisters 

Introduction 

//<![CDATA[
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Your browser appears to have Javascript disabled, to view the foot problems information in an accessible format please go to /Tools/Documents/foot_problems_a_visual_guide.html

Don’t burst blisters!

Even though it may be tempting, try not to burst a blister because it could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process.

If you have a large or painful blister, your GP may decide to decompress the blister under sterile conditions.

If a blister does burst, don’t peel off the dead skin on top of it. Allow the fluid inside the blister to drain and cover the area with a dry, sterile dressing to protect it from infection until it heals.

A blister is a small pocket of fluid that forms in the upper layers of the skin.

It usually forms when the outer layer of the skin has been damaged. Fluid collects under the damaged skin, cushioning the tissue underneath. This protects the tissue from further damage and allows it to heal.

Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid called serum, which is the part of the blood that remains after red blood cells and clotting agents have been removed. However, blisters are sometimes filled with blood (blood blisters) or pus if they become inflamed or infected. 

Blisters can develop anywhere on the body, but are most common on the hands and feet.

What causes blisters?

Blisters can be caused by:

  • friction to the skin
  • contact with chemicals, such as detergent
  • heat – for example, from sunburn or a scald
  • medical conditions, such as chickenpox and impetigo

Read more about what causes blisters.

When to see your GP

Most blisters heal naturally between three and seven days and don’t require medical attention.

See your GP if you have blisters that:

  • you think are infected
  • are very painful
  • keep coming back

An infected blister will be filled with yellow or green pus and may be painful, red and hot.

It’s important not to ignore an infected blister because it could potentially lead to secondary impetigo (a contagious bacterial infection of the skin) and further complications, such as cellulitis or sepsis.

You should also talk to your GP if you have blisters in unusual places, such as on your eyelids or inside your mouth, or if they appear after severe sunburn, burns or scalds or an allergic reaction, or after coming into contact with chemicals or other substances.

Read more about treating blisters.

Preventing blisters

There are a number of things you can do to avoid getting blisters caused by friction, sunburn or chemicals. For example, you can:

  • wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes
  • wear gloves when handling chemicals
  • use sunscreen

Read more about preventing blisters.

Page last reviewed: 30/04/2013

Next review due: 30/04/2015

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Foot care advice

Ten top tips on how to take care of your feet, including advice on preventing and treating problems

Nail abnormalities slideshow

Nail abnormalities: a visual guide

A visual guide to understanding what changes in the colour, thickness and texture of a nail might indicate.


dcsimg

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NHS Choices Syndication

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Blisters

Treating blisters

Most blisters heal naturally and do not require medical attention.

As new skin grows underneath the blister, your body will slowly reabsorb the fluid in the blister and the skin on top will dry and peel off.

Friction blisters

The unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to infection. It’s important that the skin remains intact to avoid infection.

As tempting as it may be, try not to pierce a blister with a needle because it could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process. Allow the skin to peel off on its own after the skin beneath has healed.

You may choose to cover small blisters with a plaster. Larger blisters can be covered with a gauze pad or dressing that can be taped in place.

Painful blisters, or those in positions where they are likely to burst, such as on the sole of your foot, can be covered with a soft dressing to cushion and protect them. Change the dressing daily and wash your hands before touching the blister to avoid infection.

Burst blisters

If a blister has burst, do not peel off the dead skin on top of the blister. Allow the fluid inside to drain and then cover the blister and the area around it with a dry, sterile dressing to protect it from infection until it heals.

Hydrocolloid dressings, available over the counter from pharmacies, have been shown to help prevent discomfort and encourage healing.

If the top layer of dead skin from a burst blister has already rubbed off, do not pick at the edges of the remaining skin. Follow the advice above to protect it from infection.

If the blister is on your foot, avoid wearing the shoes that caused it, at least until it heals.

Read more about applying plasters and other dressings.

Blood blisters

Blood blisters should be left to heal naturally. If a blood blister bursts, keep the area clean and dry. Protect it with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.

Blood blisters are often painful. Applying an ice pack to the affected area immediately after the injury can help relieve the pain (a bag of frozen vegetables works just as well). Between 10 and 30 minutes should help.

To stop the ice touching your skin directly, place a towel over the affected area before applying the ice pack.

Medical conditions

If your blisters are caused by a medical condition, such as chickenpoxherpes or impetigo, your GP will be able to advise you about how to treat the underlying condition.

Published Date
2013-08-28 11:07:19Z
Last Review Date
2013-04-29 00:00:00Z
Next Review Date
2015-04-29 00:00:00Z
Classification
Blisters,Blood

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