Ablisteris a tiny pocket of bodily fluid (lymph, serum, plasma, blood, or pus) beneath the skin’s surface that is typically brought on by friction, burning, freezing, chemical exposure, or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid, such as serum or plasma; however, some blisters may be filled with blood (known as “blood blisters”) or pus (for instance, if they become infected).
The Middle Dutch word “bluyster” was a modification of the Old French word “blostre,” which meant a leprous nodule—a growth on the skin caused by leprosy. The word “blister” entered the English language in the 14th century. In dermatology today, the words “blister” and “leprous nodule” are used interchangeably.vesicleandbullarefers, respectively, to blisters that are smaller or larger.
If a blister is popped, the excess skin should not be removed because the skin underneath needs the top layer to heal properly, so popping a blister should only be done when medically necessary.
Causes
Fluid gathers between the upper layers of skin (the epidermis) and the layers below (the dermis), cushioning the tissue underneath and allowing it to heal. A blister may form when the skin has been damaged by friction or rubbing, heat, cold, or chemical exposure.
Friction or rubbing
blisters of different sizes that form from friction on the sole of the foot.
Blisters are most common on the hands and feet because these extremities are susceptible while walking, running, or performing repetitive motions, such as digging with a shovel, playing guitar or bass, etc. This type of blister is most common after walking long distances or by wearing old or poorly fitting shoes.
Extreme temperature
the result of burning, a blister.
Blisters can also develop on the hands and feet as a result of tissue damage brought on by frostbite. This type of blistering is one of the tools used to determine the degree of burns sustained. Both first and second degree burns may result in blistered skin, but second degree burns typically blister immediately while first degree burns may have blisters after a few days.
Chemical exposure
blisters brought on by a mustard agent with sulfur.
Blisters can also appear as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting. Some chemical warfare agents, known as blister agents or vesicants, cause large, painful blisters wherever they contact skin; an example is mustard gas. Blisters can also appear as a result of contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes into contact with a cosmetic, detergent, solvent, or other chemical such as nickel sulfate, Balsam of Peru, or urushio
Crushing/pinching
Blood leaks into a tear between the layers of skin when a tiny blood vessel close to the skin’s surface bursts (breaks), which can occur when the skin is crushed, pinched, or forcefully squeezed.
Medical conditions
Other, much rarer medical conditions that result in blisters include: Impetigo, chickenpox, herpes, and a type of eczema called dyshidrosis.
- Bullous pemphigoid is a skin condition that usually affects people over 60 and results in the development of large, densely packed blisters.
- Pemphigus is a severe form of eczema in which pressure causes the skin to swell into blisters. These blisters are prone to bursting, leaving exposed skin that can become infected.
- A skin condition known as dermatitis herpetiformis results in patches of uniformly shaped and sized blisters that are extremely itchy and typically appear on the elbows, knees, back, and buttocks.
- Blisters that form in clusters on the face, mouth, or genitalia are a symptom of chronic bullous dermatosis.
- Cutaneous radiation syndrome
- Epidermolysis bullosa
Pathophysiology
Friction blisters
The strata of skin around the stratum spinosum are most vulnerable to shear. As the stratum spinosum tears away from the connecting tissues below, plasma from the cells diffuses out. This plasma solution helps new cells divide and grow into new connective tissues and epidermal layers. Excessive shear stress between the bottom and surface of the skin and the body is what causes friction blisters.
Painful blisters on the palmar and plantar surfaces of the feet and hands are caused by tissue shearing deeper in the epidermis, close to nerve endings, and lower tissues are more prone to infection. The clear fluid will be reabsorbed as new cells form, and the swelling will go down.
Prevention
Friction blisters
There are many ways to reduce friction to a point where blisters won’t form in order to avoid friction blisters, which are brought on by rubbing against the skin.
Blisters are more likely to form on skin that is moist, so socks that manage moisture or frequent sock changes will aid those with particularly sweaty feet. Blisters on the feet can be prevented by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and clean socks. Inherently ill-fitting or stiffer shoes, such as high heels and dress shoes, present a greater risk of blistering.
Oars used in competitive rowing are known for frequently causing blisters on the hands of oarsmen, and weightlifters and gymnasts are also susceptible to blisters from the friction developed by the rubbing against the bars. To further reduce the occurrence one can tape the hands.
People put talcum powder inside gloves or shoes for this reason, but this type of lubricant will increase friction over time as it absorbs moisture, which increases the likelihood of blisters. Talcum powder can be used to reduce friction between skin and apparel in the short term.
Other
The best way to prevent blisters from sunburn is to avoid direct sunlight during midday. Protective gloves should be worn when handling detergents, cleaning products, solvents, and other chemicals. Sunscreen and protective clothing should also be worn during the hottest part of the day.
HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES
Apis melfica
canthris
calendula ointment
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