BLISTERS |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Collection of fluid in a "bubble" under the outer layer of skin.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fluid collection under the superficial skin layer.
Sensitivity to pressure over the blister.
Redness and swelling around the blister.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSRepeated friction and pressure against the skin, especially during hot, humid weather. Examples of common sites for blisters include the hands of gymnasts, the feet of runners and dancers, the fingers of baseball pitchers, and the buttocks of bicycle riders.
HOW TO PREVENT
Apply 10% tannic acid to vulnerable areas of skin once or twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks.
Wear shoes that fit like a glove, but allow enough space for the forefoot and toes. Check for rough seams inside the shoe.
Don't wear thick socks. Clean, white cotton or cotton-wool socks are less likely to cause blisters than synthetic materials. Avoid tube socks.
Try wearing no socks, but dusting shoes with talcum powder or rubbing feet and shoes with petroleum jelly.
Put tape on vulnerable areas prior to exercise.
Don't run in shoes still wet from previous use.
Protect hands with gloves appropriate for your sport, if possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES -- Your own observation of symptoms.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this illness.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSBlisters usually heal in 3 to 7 days if they don't become infected.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSInfection. Fluid becomes pus, pain becomes worse and red streaks develop.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTSee your doctor if infection develops.
HOME TREATMENTNo treatment is necessary for small, painless blisters (less than 1 inch across). To treat painful blisters or blisters larger than 1 inch:
Apply ice to the blister for 5 minutes.
Wash the blistered area with warm soapy water. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Sterilize a pin or tip of a scissor by dipping in alcohol or by holding it in the flame of a lighted match until it becomes red.
Puncture the blister in several places around the edge.
Apply gentle pressure to the top of the blister to squeeze out fluid. Leave the skin in place.
Repeat all steps above once a day if the blister persists.
Place moleskin (See Glossary) over a blister pad on top of the blister. Pad blisters on the bottoms of the feet with adhesive felt or foam with a hole cut slightly larger than the blister.
MEDICATIONYou may use non-prescription antibiotic medicine, such as Bacitracin or Neosporin, on the skin of the blister.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions unless the blister becomes infected.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Home treatment of blisters hasn't brought relief in 1 to 3 days.
Signs of infection occur (increased heat, redness, swelling or pus in the blister).
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