Blisters
What is a Blister?
A blister is a painful skin condition where fluid fills a space between layers of skin. They form when something, repeatedly rubs against your skin. These fluid-filled bubbles are a pain, but you can treat them easily at home.
What Causes Blister’s
You can get blisters in several different ways, including some diseases. The most common types of blisters include:
- Blood blisters: You can get blood blisters when something pinches your skin. Instead of clear liquid, blood floods the area from broken blood vessels and damage to the lower layers of the skin. The blood pools and forms a blister.
- Friction blisters: Caused by rubbing on the skin, friction blisters form when clear fluid builds up in the upper layers of skin. Many people get friction blisters from walking too much in poor-fitting shoes or by not wearing socks. You can also get them on your hands from holding things like shovels or other tools.
- Heat blisters: You can get these blisters from burns or sunburns. They may also form after you warm up from frostbite. Blistering skin is part of a second-degree burn.
How to treat blisters?
Blisters generally heal on their own within a few days. You can do a few things at home to make them more comfortable:
- Wash the area gently with a mild soap.
- Apply antibacterial cream or ointment.
- Cover the blister with a bandage or gauze.
Be sure to change the bandage at least once a day. And resist the temptation to pop or break a blister or peel it off. The skin on the blister protects deeper layers of skin from infection.
Blisters generally do not need a healthcare provider to look at them. There are no tests or diagnostics for blisters.
If a burn or frostbite caused your blisters, a healthcare provider may need to treat the underlying cause. You may also need to see your provider if a blister shows signs of infection, such as:
- Pus (yellowish or greenish discharge).
- Hot or painful area around the blister.
- Red streaks around the blister.
Seeking Treatment + What To Expect
When you seek care at iCare Emergency Room and Urgent Care, you will be evaluated by Board Certified Emergency Physicians and Registered Nurses. Upon arrival patients receive a free medical screening evaluation to assess your condition and symptoms and assign you to the appropriate department. For minor illnesses our team can help identify and treat many the symptoms in our Urgent Care. If your condition is more severe or life threatening, we are able to treat you in our ER or transfer you to a local hospital. Your treatment team will evaluate your medical history performing a physical exam and any additional laboratory testing that is needed and create a treatment plan including administering medications as needed in order to help you feel better sooner! Next time you become in need of emergency or urgent care, visit one of our convenient DFW locations.