| name: | Blister |
| also known as: | Blisters |
| also see: | Callus; Corn |
| description: | A blister is a collection of fluid under the epidermis that occurs from a friction injury to the skin. Friction or rubbing and pressure causes the top layer of the skin called the epidermis to shear off or detach from the deeper layer of skin, called the dermis. The body then reacts to this void by filling it with fluid. Risk is increased with hot humid weather, poorly fitting shoes, sports or activities that require hand use or foot use, such as tennis, gymnastics, running, dancers, ballet, taek won do, karate, baseball, carpentry, shoveling, screw drivers, and so on. |
| signs & symptoms: | Includes a fluid filled process on the skin that is tender, sensitive to pressure, and can be red and swollen. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam. |
| treatment: | Small blisters are usually left alone and will absorb on their own in 5-7 days. Blisters that are exquisitely painful or are large can be drained and/or unroofed. This can be done by a doctor, or by the person. The area is cleaned first with rubbing alcohol, then soapy water, rinsed, and the blister is popped in several areas with a sterile needle (dip a pin in rubbing alcohol or hold to a match flame until red (let cool)) and the blister pressed to drain out the fluid. If the area is kept clean, the skin can be left in place so long as the fluid cannot re-accumulate. If the area is at risk of contamination, it might be better to remove the skin by trimming with a clean cuticle scissors sterilized like the pin. The blister area should be cleaned twice daily with soapy water, apply antibiotic ointment, and a band aid. If the blister appears infected, such as fever, chills, redness, red streaks, swelling, tenderness, ill feeling, go to the doctor. |
| prevention: | Includes taping vulnerable areas prior to the activity, wearing gloves for work, wearing cotton or wool socks rather than synthetic fiber socks, avoid running in wet shoes, wear properly fitting shoes. |
| outcome: | Most blisters heal within one week. Recurrent blisters can turn into a callous. Complications of blisters include callus, infection. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person has a blister that appears infected, such as increasing pain, redness, tenderness, swelling, red streaks, muscle aches and pains, ill feeling, or, if the person does not have the facility or ability to properly treat a blister without risking infection |
| go to: | Go to the doctor. |
| if: | If the person has a blister, or tends to get blisters, they should |
| go to: | Go to the pharmacy for antibiotic ointment, band aids, moleskin, rubbing alcohol, and a nice pair of cuticle scissors. |
Last updated 6/29/2002