These are small bubbles of skin filled with clean fluids. They may be single or many and may be pin point size to 2 an inch in diameter.
Causes
Friction or brief intense contact of the skin with any rough material.
Excessive rubbing of exposed skin like new pain of shoes against ankle or a tool handle against hand are the commonest conditions.
Burns or contact with hot surface like steam or flame.
Severe sunburn can also cause blisters.
Exposure to radiation.
Contact with chemical irritants, cosmetics, toxins, insect bites.
Drug reaction from oral or topical preparations.
Infections like chickenpox, herpes simplex, impetigo and autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms
- One or more bubbles of skin filled with clear fluid
- Pain and inflammation around the blister
- Itching and redness of skin around it
- Fever in case of infection like chicken pox with multiple
- Fluid filled bubbles
Do's & Dont's
Before handling heavy tools wear hand gloves When wearing new shoes apply adhesive bandage to prevent friction or apply petroleum jelly on shoe edge.
Wear acrylic or synthetic fibre socks which are low friction If you have a blister from friction or minor burn apply petroleum jelly around it to keep skin soft Keep the blister clean and protected from pressure and irritation of all kinds.
Do not break the blister, unless it is causing severe pain and discomfort. Clean the blister thoroughly with dettol and use a sterilized needle to puncture it.
When the blister breaks wash with soap and water and apply a mild antiseptic. During the day cover with a gauze bandage and expose at night to open air If blistered with chemicals, wash and flush the part with plenty of water.
Do not apply butter or vinegar it can be harmful - by causing infection.
Do not walk or play bare footed.
Wear long sleeves and full pants and glares when in contact with unknown plants.
Call A Doctor If
- Blister is large.
- Extensive burns leading to blistering.
- Contact with chemicals and there is burning and pain even after washing with lots of water.
- There is discharge of given yellow pus from blister.