Friction Blister


Friction blister is a blister or bubble of skin filled with liquid that is caused by the forces of friction or pressure.

Symptoms of Friction Blister

The symptoms of a friction blister are:

  • Bubble of a skin with thin walls
  • Clear liquid inside
  • Pain
  • If blood vessel is broken inside the blister, then the fluid will contain blood in a condition called a blood blister.

Left untreated, a blister may develop a secondary infection with redness, streaks, tenderness, and crusting.

Who Gets Blisters?

Anyone can develop a blister, although people with diabetes are more prone to develop blisters, redness, and sores in the leg and feet.

Prevention of Friction Blister

Blisters on the feet are usually caused by wearing the improper footwear. To prevent blisters:

  • Wear the right size shoes
  • Wear socks
  • When wearing sandals, make sure the strap does not rub or irritate the skin too much. If so, use bandage to cover the skin.

Treatment of Friction Blisters?

  • Do nothing. Friction blisters usually heal themselves as the fluid is reabsorbed by the body and the blistered skin falls off.

  • Keep the area clean by gently washing it with an antibacterial soap.

  • If the blister breaks, keep the area clean by using antibacterial soap and put a bandage over it.

  • Do not pop or cut open the blister as it may become infected.

For draining a large blister per doctor's instruction, you should:

  • Wash the area with an antibacterial soap
  • Rinse the area with rubbing alcohol for at least 30 seconds
  • Use a sterile needle to pop the blister
  • Completely drain the fluid inside
  • Apply antibiotic cream or ointment
  • Bandage the blister

Sometimes the procedure needs to be done several times as the fluid often reaccumulates.

If a secondary infection develops, your doctor may prescribe an oral and/or a topical antiobiotic medication.






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