1. Skin Conditions

Blisters

Signs & Symptoms

1. •Sore bump on the skin that may be filled with fluid. Swelling.
   

2. •Pain and tenderness to the touch.
   

Causes

1. •Friction on the skin. This is the main cause.
   

2. •Skin rashes, frostbite, and second-degree burns.
   

3. •Herpes simplex viruses. (See Cold Sores and Genital Herpes.)
   

4. •Allergic reaction to medicine.
   

5. •Epidermolysis bullosa (EB). This is a group of blistering skin conditions. With these, the skin is so fragile, even minor rubbing can cause blisters. Blisters can occur inside the body, too.
   

Treatment

Self-care treats most blisters. Medical care may be needed for blisters that get infected and for ones caused by a skin disorder.

Does minor rubbing of the skin result in blisters or do they occur often for no apparent reason?

With a blister, are any of these signs of an infection present?

1. •Increased redness, warmth or pain.
   

2. •White, green, or yellow pus.
   

3. •Red streak that extends from the blister.

With blisters, do you have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease?

Self-Care / Prevention

To Prevent Blisters

1. •Wear shoes and socks that fit well. Wear moleskin pads on areas where socks or shoes rub the skin.
   

2. •Apply an antiperspirant to the bottom of your feet before an athletic activity.
   

3. •Wear gloves for activities, such as raking leaves, that put friction on the hands.
   

To Treat Blisters

1. •Don’t pop a small blister (less than one inch across). Protect it from more friction. Cover it with a loose bandage or a moleskin pad.
   

2. •Drain a large, painful blister. Clean the area with alcohol. Sterilize a needle. Gently, pierce an edge of the blister. Let it drain. If no dirt or pus is under the skin flap, pat it down to protect the skin below it. Wash the area well with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage or gauze and tape. Change this daily; more often if it gets dirty or wet.
   

Questions to Ask