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.