Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Blisters, Paediatric
Blisters, Paediatric
Elsevier Patient Education © 2023 Elsevier Inc..
Last revised: October 6, 2023.
Blisters, Pediatric
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 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 child’s blister.
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Putting extra padding around and over the 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. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your child’s blister. Also, have your child wash his or her hands with soap and water before and after he or she touches the blister. If the blister is large or painful, your child’s healthcare provider can drain it.
Follow these instructions at home:
Medicines
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Give or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your child’s healthcare provider.
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If your child was prescribed antibiotics, give them or apply them as instructed by your child’s healthcare provider. Do not stop giving or applying the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
Skin care
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Do not pop your child’s blister. This can cause infection.
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Keep your child’s blister clean and dry. This helps to prevent infection.
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Before your child swims or uses a hot tub, cover his or her blister with a waterproof dressing,
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Protect the area where the blister has formed as instructed by your child’s healthcare provider.
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Follow instructions from your child’s healthcare provider about how to take care of the 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 child’s dressing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser.
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Change your child’s dressing as instructed by his or her 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 the blister is on a foot or toe, have your child wear different shoes until the blister heals.
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Have your child avoid the activity that caused the blister until the blister heals.
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Keep all follow-up appointments as instructed by your child’s 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 he or she takes part in sports or activities that can cause blisters.
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Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes when he or she takes part in sports or activities.
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Use powders as needed to keep his or her feet dry.
Contact a healthcare provider if:
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Your child has more redness, swelling, or pain around the blister.
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Your child has more fluid or blood coming from the blister.
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Your child’s blister feels warm to the touch.
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Your child has pus or a bad smell coming from the blister.
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Your child has a fever or chills.
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Your child’s blister gets better and then gets worse.
Get help right away if:
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Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
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Your child who is 3 months to 3 years old has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher
Summary
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A blister is a raised bubble of skin filled with liquid that can result from sports or wearing shoes that do not fit well.
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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 child’s blister clean and dry. This helps to prevent infection.
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Have your child avoid the activity that caused the blister, if possible.
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Contact a healthcare provider if your child has 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.
