Blisters generally do not need a healthcare provider to look at them. There are no tests or diagnostics for blisters.
Blisters
A blister is a painful skin condition where fluid fills a space between layers of skin. They form when something — like too-tight shoes — repeatedly rubs against your skin. These fluid-filled bubbles are a pain, but you can treat them easily at home.
Blisters often happen when there is friction – rubbing or pressure – on one spot. For example, if your shoes don’t fit quite right and they keep rubbing part of your foot. Or if you don’t wear gloves when you rake leaves and the handle keeps rubbing against your hand
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.
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.
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.
You have several options for preventing blisters. Most involve preparation and caution. Preventing blisters depends on the type of blister:
Friction blisters: Friction blisters result from repeated rubbing. To prevent them:
- Make sure your shoes fit well and do not rub.
- Break in new shoes before wearing them for extended periods.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands if you plan on doing a lot of manual labor.
- Wear properly fitting clothes to prevent chafing that can lead to blisters on other parts of your body.
Blood blisters: These blisters usually develop when something pinches part of your skin. They typically happen on the hands. It’s harder to prevent them, but take these steps:
- Stay alert when using tools or things that can pinch.
- Wear gloves when working with pruners, strong pliers or in other tight situations.
Heat blisters: Heat blisters can result from a burn or when your skin gets too hot as you recover from frostbite. To prevent them:
- Use sunscreen if you plan to be in the sun for an extended period.
- Be extra careful when handling hot items or working around a fire.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing to avoid frostbite. If your skin gets frostbitten, slowly raise your body temperature using lukewarm water.
Bulla, Vesicle
References
Elewski BE, Hughey LC, Hunt KM, Hay RJ. Fungal diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 77.
Hay RJ. Dermatophytosis (ringworm) and other superficial mycoses. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 266.
Related Topics
Good Habits You Should Know
Bad Habits You Should Know
About the Speciality
© 2025 Part of DENAMICA. All rights reserved.