Blisters

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What are blisters? " пїЅ Blisters are fluid-filled bumps on the skin. пїЅ пїЅ

What causes blisters? " пїЅ Many things can cause blisters, including: пїЅ пїЅ

Something rubbing or pressing against the skin " пїЅ This might happen from wearing a tight-fitting shoe or gripping a tool.
Bad burns, often from something very hot (like a boiling water or a stove) or a sunburn
Allergic reactions to something that touches the skin, such as poison ivy or poison oak
Problems with the bodys infection-fighting system (called the "immune system " пїЅ)

What are the symptoms of blisters? " пїЅ The symptoms include one or more fluid-filled bumps on the skin. The fluid is usually clear. пїЅ пїЅ

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ See your doctor or nurse right away if you are not sure what caused your blisters or if you have: пїЅ пїЅ

Blisters in your mouth, near your eyes, or in or near your anus or genital area
Blisters all over your body
Painful blisters
Blisters with pus inside

Will I need tests? " пїЅ Maybe. If you need to see a doctor or nurse for your blisters, he or she might do tests to find the cause of your blisters. This might include taking a sample of your skin. пїЅ пїЅ

How should I take care of a blister? " пїЅ To care for a blister caused by something rubbing or pressing the skin or a burn, you should: пїЅ пїЅ

Wash the area with soap and water.
Do not pop or poke the blister with a sharp object. Opening the blister makes it more likely to get infected and slows healing.
If the blister pops, keep the area clean and cover with a bandage to protect it.

Do not scratch blisters from poison ivy. If you have poison ivy, your doctor might recommend medicine to ease itching or other bothersome symptoms. пїЅ пїЅ

Most blisters heal in about a week. пїЅ пїЅ

Can blisters be prevented? " пїЅ You can reduce your chances of getting blisters if you: пїЅ пїЅ

Wear shoes that fit properly.
Use gloves or protective padding when working with tools.
Wear a hat, protective clothing, and sunscreen when out in the sun.

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 83674 Version 4.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ

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Blisters

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

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