Blisters

Overview

A blister is a small pocket of clear fluid that forms on the top layers of skin. It is your body's way of protecting damaged skin while it heals.

Yes, blisters are very common. Most people will have at least one blister at some point in their life.

Anyone can get a blister. They happen most often to people who wear new shoes or stand or walk for long periods, and to people who do manual work or have fragile skin.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A raised, fluid-filled bump on the skin
• Clear fluid inside the bump
• Redness and tenderness around the area
• Mild pain or discomfort

Symptoms in children

• Children often get blisters on their feet from new shoes or on their hands from playing on playground equipment.
• They may also get blisters from sunburn or minor burns.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may develop blisters more easily because skin becomes thinner and more fragile with age.
• Healing that takes longer than usual may be a sign that you need medical advice.

Causes

Main causes

• Friction from rubbing skin, like ill-fitting shoes or repeated pressure
• Burns from heat, sunlight, or chemicals
• Medical conditions that cause blistering, such as chickenpox or autoimmune skin disorders

Risk factors

• Wearing new or tight shoes
• Doing activities that involve repeated rubbing, like running or rowing
• Having thin or fragile skin due to age or long-term use of steroid medicine
• Working with tools or materials that rub the skin

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You see signs of infection, such as pus, increasing redness, warmth, or red streaks
• You have diabetes and a blister is slow to heal or shows signs of infection
• You have a severe allergic reaction or a large burn with blisters

Book a routine appointment if:

• You get blisters often without a clear cause
• You have blisters in unusual areas like your mouth, eyelids, or genital area
• Blisters are accompanied by other symptoms like fever, tiredness, or rashes elsewhere on your body

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse can usually tell if you have a blister by looking at it and asking about your symptoms and how it started.

Tests that may be done

• In most cases, no tests are needed.
• If blisters are unusual or keep coming back, a doctor might take a small sample of fluid or skin for testing.
• Blood tests may be used to check for an underlying condition.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask you questions about your health, examine the blister, and check the surrounding skin. They will tell you how to care for it and whether you need any further checks.

Treatment

Most blisters heal on their own if you leave them intact and protect them from friction. The fluid is absorbed back into the body as new skin forms underneath.

Self-care at home

• Do not pop or drain the blister. The roof of the blister acts as a natural barrier to infection.
• Wash the area gently with soap and water once a day and pat it dry.
• Cover the blister with a clean, dry bandage or dressing. Use a donut-shaped pad to cushion it if it is in a pressure area.
• If the blister bursts on its own, gently clean it, apply a plain antiseptic or moisturising agent, and cover with a sterile dressing.
• Watch for signs of infection, like increasing pain, redness, or discharge that looks like pus.

Medical treatments

For a very painful blister, a healthcare professional may drain it in a sterile way. If the blister is infected, they may prescribe an antibiotic or cream. If blisters are caused by an underlying condition, your doctor may recommend prescription treatments to manage that condition. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually needed for blisters. If an underlying condition causes repeated blisters, a specialist may need to do further tests or procedures, but this is rare.

Living with this condition

Wear comfortable shoes that fit well, and use moisture-wicking socks. If a blister forms, protect it with a cushion and let it heal naturally. Avoid activities that caused the blister until it feels better.

Lifestyle tips

• Choose well-fitting shoes and break in new shoes gradually.
• Use padded socks or gloves for activities that cause rubbing.
• Keep skin clean and dry to lower the chance of infection.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fluids helps keep your skin healthy and aids recovery. Gentle exercise is fine, but stop if you feel pain from a blister.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Blisters are usually short-lived, but if you have a long-term skin condition that causes painful blisters, it can affect your mood and daily life. It is okay to feel frustrated or anxious. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage the condition.

Prevention

Many blisters can be prevented. Protect your skin from friction and burns by wearing suitable footwear and gloves, using sunscreen, and avoiding repeated rubbing.

Vaccines

Vaccinations are not directly used to prevent most blisters. Some infections that cause blisters, like chickenpox, are less common in places where vaccination is available. If you have concerns, speak to your healthcare provider.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for blisters. If you get blisters often without a clear cause, a doctor can help find out why.

Complications

If left untreated

• The main risk is infection, which can happen if the blister is popped or not kept clean.
• Infected blisters can delay healing and sometimes spread to deeper tissue.
• In rare cases, a skin infection can spread to the bloodstream, which is a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most blisters heal within a few days to a week. More serious causes of blisters can often be managed with the help of a healthcare professional. The outlook for the majority of people is very good.

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