Blisters

• 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.

Simple Remedy for Prickly Heat

Warts

Hair Loss

Treatment

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

SEE ALL ARTICLES ON SKIN CONDITIONS

Questions to Ask

Question 1

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

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 2

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

• Increased redness, warmth or pain.

• White, green, or yellow pus.

• Red streak that extends from the blister.

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 3

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

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

To Prevent Blisters

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

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

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

To Treat Blisters

• Protect a blister from more friction. Cover it with a loose bandage or a moleskin pad. The skin over the blister protects it from infection.

• If the blister is very painful, drain it. 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. Change it more often if it gets dirty or wet.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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