Blisters

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Treating Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form under the skin as a protective response to damage, often from friction, heat, or irritation. Ranging from minor annoyances on hikers' heels to painful complications from burns or medical conditions, proper treatment can prevent infection and promote swift healing. This scaled guide draws on trusted medical sources to outline identification, care protocols by severity, and strategies for avoidance, empowering you to manage blisters effectively at home or know when to escalate care.

Understanding Blisters

Understanding Blisters: Types and Severity Scales

Blisters develop when the top layer of skin separates from underlying tissue, filling with clear serum, blood (in blood blisters), or pus (if infected). They act as a natural barrier, cushioning damaged areas during healing.

Common types include:

  • Friction Blisters: Caused by rubbing, like ill-fitting shoes or tools; filled with clear fluid and common on feet, hands, or toes.
  • Burn or Heat Blisters: From thermal injury; may contain clear fluid or blood, often on exposed skin.
  • Blood Blisters: Pinched skin causes blood vessel rupture, appearing red or purple; more painful due to blood content.
  • Medical or Allergic Blisters: From conditions like eczema, herpes, or reactions; can be widespread and recurrent.

Severity is scaled by size, integrity, symptoms, and cause, guiding treatment from self-care to professional intervention:

  • Mild (Superficial): Small (<1 cm), intact, clear fluid; minimal pain, heals in 3–7 days without intervention.
  • Moderate (Partial Disruption): Larger (>1 cm), burst, or blood-filled; moderate pain, risk of secondary damage; 7–10 days to heal.
  • Severe (Deep or Complicated): Infected (pus-filled, red/hot), multiple/widespread, on sensitive areas (e.g., genitals, eyes), or from burns/illness; high infection risk, may take 2+ weeks and require medical care.

Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and itching; severe cases add fever or streaking redness.