OVERVIEW
A blister is a raised area of the skin filled with fluid. Blisters can occur on any part of the body and can be extremely painful and debilitating.
Many people believe blisters are nothing more than a nuisance, but this is not always the case.
Blisters can lead to other more serious injuries if not properly treated. To understand blisters and how to treat them, it is important to first learn about their causes and symptoms.
What Causes Blisters: Common Causes of Blister
Blisters are caused by several activities and conditions, including:
- Friction
- Burns
- Sunburns
- Exposure to chemicals
- Temperature Extremes (Hot and Cold)
- Infections
- Crushing and Pinching
- Allergic Reactions
Who Can Get a Blister, and Where do They Occur?
Anyone can get a blister, but they are most common in people who wear shoes or boots that rub against the skin. However, blisters also occur in different parts of the body aside from the feet, including:
- Hands
- Lips
- Tongue and
- Genitals
Types of Blisters: Different Types of Blisters and Their Causes
There are different types of blisters caused by a variety of things. The most common type include:
- Friction blister: this is caused by rubbing or scraping the skin. Examples of this type of blister are foot and hand blisters.
- Heat blister: This type of blister occurs when the skin becomes burnt from contact with a hot surface e.g.
- Sunburn Blister: This type of blister occurs due to UV damage to the skin.
- Blood Blister: results from pinching or crushing to the skin
Treatment: What to do If You Get a Blister
- Do not pop the blister: If you get a blister on your hand or foot, the best way to treat it is to leave it alone. However, if the blister pops, then clean it with soap and water.
- Use a Bandage: Place a bandage over the area and replace it as needed; this will help prevent infection.
- See a Doctor: If the blister is large or painful, see a doctor.
- See a Doctor: Blisters on the lips, tongue, and genitals occur due to other medical conditions. Ensure to consult your doctor to get treatment for the underlying condition
Complications: What Can Happen If You Don’t Treat a Blister Properly?
A few things can happen if you don’t treat a blister properly.
- The blister can become infected, which can lead to a serious infection.
- The blister can grow in size and cover a larger area of skin, making the skin more susceptible to tears and other injuries.
Prevention: How to Avoid Getting Blisters in the First Place
You can do a few things to help prevent blisters from forming.
- The most important is to wear shoes that fit well and are in good condition.
- You should also break in new shoes before wearing them for a long period.
- If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking or hiking, try to wear socks that wick away moisture.
- Apply a lubricant to the areas of your skin prone to blisters before starting your activity; this can help reduce friction and the chances of a blister forming. Some good options include petroleum jelly or body lotion.
- Wearing a pair of gloves will be very helpful in preventing blisters on the hands.
