Blisters

A blister is caused by an injury or trauma to the skin which causes the top layer of skin (epidermis), to separate from the layer below it (dermis). When these layers separate, fluid accumulates between the layers resulting in an elevated area containing fluid. The fluid may be clear, red (implying blood is in the blister-this is known as a blood blister) or it may contain pus (which is indicative of an infection). The main reason for the accumulation of fluid is to protect the deeper layer of the skin from further injury and damage.

Blisters may range in size from very small to up to five centimetres. Injuries such as burns, frostbite and friction cause blisters. If a blister forms, it is advisable to try and prevent the blister from popping as this will leave the injured tissues under the blister exposed to further damage and infections. If a blister is popped accidentally, then it is important to keep the area clean and to cover it, especially if the area is often exposed to dirt, so as to avoid an infection.

Blisters may be painless or they may cause a relatively large amount of pain, depending on the cause of the blister. Blisters on hands and feet are often caused by repetitive rubbing or friction. Shoes that do not fit properly or are not sufficiently padded may cause blisters on your feet, while repetitive movements or exercises of the hands, such as pulling on a rope or using an instrument that rubs against the same area, may cause blisters on the hands. Often blisters on your hands and feet are in awkward areas and may limit the use of your hands or cause pain on walking. If this is the case then cover and pad the area well to avoid the blister coming into contact with other surfaces.

If the skin comes into contact with a substance that irritates it or if your skin has an allergic reaction (see Allergies), then it may also form a blister to protect the deeper layers. In some instances blisters will pop after the underlying tissue has had enough time to recover form the injury, while in other cases the fluid will be reabsorbed by the body. Large, painful blisters and blisters that appear to be getting larger rather than smaller should be monitored closely.

If blisters are forming without any apparent cause or if you have a blister that has popped and left a wound that appears infected, or is causing you concern, then it is advisable to contact a healthcare practitioner. Signs of infections include pus draining from the blister, very red or warm skin around the blister, and red streaks leading away from the blister.

Treatment

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