Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Blisters, Adult
Blisters, Adult
Elsevier Patient Education © 2023 Elsevier Inc..
Last revised: October 6, 2023.
Blisters, Adult
A blister is a raised bubble of skin filled with liquid. Blisters often develop on skin that rubs or presses against another surface repeatedly (friction blister). Friction blisters can occur on any part of the body, but they usually form on the hands or the feet. Long-term pressure on that same area of skin can also cause the area of skin to become hardened. This hardened skin is called a callus.
What are the causes?
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An injury, such as a burn.
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An allergic reaction.
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An infection.
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Exposure to irritating chemicals.
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Sports.
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Repetitive activities.
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Using tools and doing other activities without wearing gloves.
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Shoes that are too tight or too loose.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Turn red.
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Feel warm.
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Itch.
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Be painful to the touch.
How is this diagnosed?
A blister is diagnosed with a physical examination.
How is this treated?
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Using a bandage (dressing) to cover your blister.
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Putting extra padding around and over your blister so that the blister does not rub on anything.
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Applying antibiotic ointment.
Most blisters break open, dry up, and go away on their own within 1–2 weeks. Blisters that are very painful may be drained before they break open on their own. If your blister is large or painful, your healthcare provider can drain it.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider.
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If you were prescribed an antibiotic take orally or apply it as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop using the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.
Skin care
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Do not pop your blister. This can cause infection.
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Keep your blister clean and dry. This helps to prevent infection.
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Before you swim or use a hot tub, cover your blister with a waterproof dressing.
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Protect the area where your blister has formed as instructed by your healthcare provider.
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Follow instructions from your healthcare provider about how to take care of your blister. Make sure you:
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your dressing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser.
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Change your dressing as instructed by your healthcare provider.
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Infection signs
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More redness, swelling, or pain.
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More fluid or blood.
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Warmth.
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Pus or a bad smell.
General instructions
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If you have a blister on a foot or toe, wear different shoes until your blister heals.
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Avoid the activity that caused the blister until your blister heals.
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Keep all follow-up appointments as instructed by your healthcare provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
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Wear comfortable shoes that fit well.
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Always wear socks with shoes.
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Wear extra socks or use tape, dressings, or pads over blister-prone areas as needed. You may also apply petroleum jelly under dressings in blister-prone areas.
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Wear protective gear, such as gloves, when taking part in sports or activities that can cause blisters.
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Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes when taking part in sports or activities.
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Use powders as needed to keep your feet dry.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
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You have more redness, swelling, or pain around your blister.
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You have more fluid or blood coming from your blister.
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Your blister feels warm to the touch.
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You have pus or a bad smell coming from your blister.
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You have a fever or chills.
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Your blister gets better and then it gets worse.
Summary
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A blister is a raised bubble of skin filled with liquid. Blisters often develop on skin that rubs or presses against another surface repeatedly (friction blister).
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Most blisters break open, dry up, and go away on their own within 1–2 weeks.
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Keep your blister clean and dry. This helps to prevent infection.
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Take steps to help prevent blisters that are caused by friction.
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Contact a healthcare provider if you have signs of infection.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
