Blisters are small fluid-filled bumps that form within the upper layers of the skin. Fluid in blisters accumulates under damaged skin to cushion the underlying tissue, protecting it so it can heal.
Blisters can occur anywhere on the body but they commonly develop on the feet and hands.
Blisters usually heal on their own without treatment in about a week.
Home care to make blisters heal faster includes:
- Clean the area with soap and water
- Cover small blisters with a bandage
- Cover large blisters with a gauze pad taped in place
- Cover blisters with a soft bandage and cushion to protect them if they are painful or in areas prone to bursting (such as the foot)
- Change bandages daily
If a blister pops on its own:
- Don’t peel off the dead skin on top of the blister
- Keep the area clean
- Cover it with a bandage to protect it
Avoid:
- Popping or poking blisters unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional, because this can slow healing and cause infection
- Wearing shoes that cause blisters on feet until existing blisters heal
- Scratching blisters, which can increase the risk of infection
- If blisters itch, medicines to help relieve itching may be recommended
If blisters don’t heal with home treatment, medical treatment for blisters includes:
- Antibiotics, if blisters become infected
- Decompression of blisters by a medical professional
- Treating any underlying condition causing blisters
What Are Symptoms of Blisters?
Blisters are fluid-filled bumps on the skin. Fluid is usually clear (serum) but may be filled with pus if infected. Blood blisters are filled with blood.
See a doctor if you have blisters that:
- Are filled with pus
- Are all over the body
- Are painful
- Keep returning
- Are in the mouth, near the eyes, or in or near the anus or genitals
- Develop after severe sunburn, an allergic reaction, or burns or scalds
- Occur after contact with chemicals or other substances
What Causes Blisters?
Blisters may be caused by:
- Friction
- Something rubbing or pressing against the skin, such as with poor-fitting shoes or in people who play sports and use handheld equipment
- Friction blisters form more easily on moist skin and in warm conditions
- Skin allergic reactions to substances that come into contact with the skin
- Insect bites
- Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac
- Cosmetics
- Detergents
- Solvents
- Burns, including sunburn
- Immune system disorders
- Some medical conditions
- Common medical conditions that cause blisters include:
- Chickenpox
- Cold sores
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Herpes
- Impetigo
- Pompholyx (a type of eczema)
- Scabies
- Rare medical conditions that cause blisters include:
- Bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Chronic bullous dermatosis of childhood
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Common medical conditions that cause blisters include:
How Do You Prevent Blisters?
To prevent blisters, you need to prevent chafing. Take preventive measures such as:
- Foot protection
- Wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters on the feet
- If one pair doesn’t help, try wearing two pairs
- Wear properly fitted shoes
- Wear clothing that doesn’t chafe
- Wear moisture-wicking, loose-fitting clothing during physical activity
- Avoid cotton clothing which soaks up sweat and moisture and can cause friction and chafing
- Use soft bandages
- For problem areas, try adhesive moleskin or other soft bandages
- Apply powder or petroleum jelly to areas prone to chafing
- This can help reduce friction when the skin rubs together or rubs against clothing
- Stop activity right away if pain or discomfort occurs, or if the skin turns red
From 
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Reviewed on 9/17/2022
References
REFERENCES:
Image source: iStock Images
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/blisters-the-basics?search=blisters&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/blisters
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters
Image source: iStock Images
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/blisters-the-basics?search=blisters&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/injuries/skin-injuries/blisters
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/prevent-treat-blisters