Learn about symptoms and causes of blisters, self-help treatment options, medication and when to seek medical help

What are blisters?

A blister is a bubble on the skin which contains fluid. The fluid may be clear or bloody.

What are the possible causes of this condition?

Blisters may be caused by injury, allergic reactions, infections, or even medical conditions.

• Injury: Burns, scalds and sunburns may result in blisters. Blisters can also form when the skin is rubbed (e.g. from ill-fitting shoes).
• Allergic reactions: Some forms of skin allergies (e.g. dyshidrotic eczema) may result in the formation of small, burning or itchy blisters.
• Infections:  Some bacterial infections such as impetigo or viral infections such as chicken pox or cold sores will result in the formation of blisters on the affected area.
• Medical conditions: Some patients have autoimmune conditions such as bullous pemphigoid which results in blister forming on various parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of blisters?

When blisters are caused by physical injury, they will only occur at the site of injury. The fluid inside may either be clear or contain some blood.

Blisters due to other causes may appear only in one area or may appear all over the body. They may also be painful or itchy. 

If the blister is due to an infection, you may also experience other symptoms such as fever, body aches or tiredness.

If you have blisters that are not caused by injury, you must see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What can I do to treat blisters?

Most blisters recover on their own without further treatment. However, these are some things you can do to reduce the pain and discomfort due to the blisters.

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply it to the area 10 to 15minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day
• Cover the blister with a sterile, non-stick (non-adhesive) dressing
• Use hydrocolloid dressings (commonly found in “blister plasters”) to cushion the blister and reduce friction

To prevent a blister from getting infected or worsening:

• Wash the area with mild soap and water
• Keep the area clean and dry
• Never burst or puncture a blister on your own without the help of, or instructions from a healthcare professional

When do I need to see a doctor?

Although blisters due to injuries can be treated without a doctor’s consultation, there are times where the condition might be more serious. 

If your condition does not get better within 5 days of self treatment or gets worse, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Large blisters with very bad pain
• Signs of infection such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, worsening pain and pus

What else can I do to manage this condition?

For blisters due to medical conditions or infections, please refer to further information about those medical conditions.

For blisters due to injury, the following are some suggestions to prevent them from happening again:

• When burnt or scalded, make sure to cool down the area thoroughly by keeping it under cool running water for 20 minutes. Cooling down the area reduces the damage and prevents the formation of blisters
• Remove shoes or tight clothing immediately if they seem to be irritating the skin
• Wear new footwear for short periods of time until they feel comfortable
• Wear well-fitted footwear with thick-padded and soft socks that absorb moisture well.
• Protect areas of the skin that are prone to friction blisters with dressings, pads, or cushions
• Protect the hands with gloves when using hand tools or doing sports activities
• If needed, use insoles to reduce pressure points on the feet

Disclaimers

"This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

 The content above is solely for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before taking any medication or supplement, or adopting any treatment for a health problem."