What are blisters?

Blisters are a skin condition that contains pus-like fluid-filled between the layers of the skin and blisters are painful and itchy. Blisters may be caused due to burning, friction, wearing tight footwear, chemical burns, and infection. Blisters can be easily treated at home. They are formed on the upper layer of the skin called the epidermis. Blisters may develop anywhere on the skin but mostly occur on hands and feet. Blisters can be of different types depending upon the cause of damage to the skin.

Types of blisters

• Blood blisters
• Friction blisters 
• Heat blisters 
• Chickenpox 
• Eczema blisters 

Causes of blisters

There are many different kinds of blisters and the causes of it are described below:

• Cause of Blood blisters: this type of blister can be caused due to pinching of substance or object to the skin which is a clear fluid with blood in it. The blood floods from broken blood vessels and damages the skin layers and this forms blisters.

• Cause of friction blisters: friction blisters are caused due to rubbing or friction of skin to the objects like shoes that are tight-Wearing shoes without socks causes friction. You get blisters on your hands too if you hold any tool or things continuously can cause blisters. This type of blisters usually go away by themselves and it can occur again and again while running, walking etc.

• Heat blisters:  heat blisters can be caused due to sunburns or any heat burns. Heat blisters can be formed due to frostbite or exposure to sunburn.

• Many medical conditions also cause blisters such as chickenpox, herpes, eczema, dermatitis, etc. the chickenpox rashes too cause blisters filled with pus-like liquid in them. Eczema causes blisters as the skin gets cracked and flaky.

How are these blisters formed?

Among all these blisters, friction blisters are the more common one that usually occurs by the friction of skin and the body, and the layer of the skin tears the tissue, and the plasma filled fluid comes out and thus forms the gap between the layers of the skin forming new tissue regeneration.

Symptoms of blisters

Generally, blisters do not need any treatments as some blisters heal by themselves and disappear while some blisters like frostbite need treatments But if you have the symptoms like yellowish or greenish pus-like discharge, redness or pain near the blistered areas, then this is the sign of concern and it is necessary to consult a specialist or doctor when this symptom persists.

Always see a doctor when you have red swollen skin and if the blisters do not go away by themselves.

Treatment

Usually, blisters heal by themselves and do not require any treatments or diagnosis unless an infection occurs. The regeneration of the blister on the skin forms new skin naturally by the white fluid and it will peel off the old skin thus forming a new one. You should not pop off blisters as that can lead to further infection.

The swollen part is the barrier to that blister and if it is removed it can lead to bacterial invasion. So it's better to cover up those blisters with a band-aid or any protective layers. If the blisters get removed or burst by themselves, then let it drain the fluid naturally without irritating and thus clean the dead skin cells or that area with water and apply some dressing on that or apply some medicated ointments as it would further not irritate the skin. 

Blood blisters also heal by themselves but they take time to heal them. Blisters can go away by themselves and also if you want to take some care of the skin, just wash the affected area with mild wash and apply an antibacterial cream or ointment if available at home. Then cover the area with a bandage or any covering thus protecting it from any further irritation. Remember to change the covering once a while a day.

How to prevent blisters?

You can prevent getting blisters by taking care of your skin and following some things that would prevent blistering your skin. Also, the prevention of blisters depends upon the type of blisters you have.

You can prevent friction blisters by preventing the friction between your skin and the shoes or any object that your skin gets rubbed with. Wearing socks or avoiding tight wearing shoes will help get friction blisters on the feet. Wearing gloves in your hands would help you from getting blisters on the palm of your hands while doing labour work or any machinery tool work. You should tight-fitting clothes to get rid of chaffing of skin with the clothes. In this way, you can prevent your skin from getting friction blisters.

Blood blisters usually occur due to pinching of the skin when your skin gets pinched by any object while closing the door your skin of the hand gets stuck to that door handle and you get blisters or while using pruners or any tool, so be careful and start using loves while using the tools you use frequently.

To prevent heat blisters caused due to frostbite use proper clothing as per the weather or the environment. Use sunscreen when you go out under sun exposure and be alert or careful while handling the items that are hot.

Take Away

Blisters are usually painful and go away by themselves, some do not require treatment but extra care must be taken while handling the things or wearing suitable loose-fitting clothes and footwear. Thus prevention is better than cure and if the symptoms like pus and itchiness occur then treating.