WHAT ARE BLISTERS? 

The thin, red skin that forms with sacs of fluid is a blister.  

Some causes for blisters are as follows: 

• some pre-existing skin disease condition 

• walking around with wet or damp feet (sweat or sheer water)

• repetitive friction and abrasion of hands

• chickenpox 

• cold sores 

• genital herpes

• bullous impetigo (a contagious skin infection)

• eczema or scabies, etc 

Blisters can get filled up with any of the following: Plasma, Blood, Serum or Pus

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Treatment : The doctor might burst large or painful blisters using a sterilised needle. And  may prescribe antibiotics, if they are infected. 

DO’S AND DON’TS

Do 

• cover blisters likely to burst with a soft plaster or dressing

• wash hands before and after touching a burst blister

• allow the fluid in a burst blister to drain before dressing

Don't

• burst a blister at your own

• peel the skin off a burst blister

• pick at the edges of the blister

• wear the shoes or use the equipment that caused the blister 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. While blisters often form because of direct irritation of the skin, some medical conditions can also cause them. It is important to consult a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment when: 

• it is very painful or keeps coming back

• the skin looks infected

• a blister is in an unusual place like eyelids, mouth or genitals

• several blisters have appeared for no reason

• a blister was caused by a burn or scald, sunburn, or an allergic reaction

2. Mostly blisters heal on their own, but in cases when certain people are at risk for infection, the doctor may choose to drain the blister. Especially true in the case for people with compromised immune systems ( HIV +, diabetes, or those on medications that suppress the immune system).

3. Some preventive remedies include wearing properly fitted shoes, steps to avoid extensive sweating in the feet etc.