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Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled bumps that look like bubbles on the skin. You may develop a blister on your foot when you wear new shoes that rub against your skin. You can get blisters on your hands when you work in the garden without wearing gloves. Home treatment is often all that is needed for these types of blisters.

Blisters can be a common problem for athletes. Athletes participate in marathons, and other events, which quite often can contribute to blisters. Also athletes breaking in new shoes have ended up having this skin condition.

Other types of injuries to the skin that may cause a blister include:

    * Exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation from the sun, or friction, which may result in burns that cause blisters.
    * Exposure to cold or freezing temperatures, which may lead to cold injuries that cause blisters.
    * Some spider bites, such as a bite from a brown recluse spider.

What type of foot blister treatment is needed?
The first sign of a blister will be redness over the skin, in the instep or toes, or maybe the back of the heel. Apply a skin dressing, and tape the effected area. Ensure that the feet are dry and change socks. Using petroleum jelly as a short term treatment can be effective as a foot blister treatment. Always cover the foot in the effected area. There are many blister prevention products on the market today. Perhaps a blister shield used in places where skin has a tendency to rub up against clothing, or sneakers/shoes can be most effective. Using this blister shield as a protective measure makes sense that you are less prone to form a blister.

What is a blood blister?
A blood blister can develop after an injury. Typically an injury of smashing or pinching of skin creates a blood blister. If there are no other signs of a severe injury, a blood blister can usually be treated at home. It is recommended to seek treatment from a doctor if a persistent pain continues. Also if numbness or unexplained weakness occurs, or if you are incapable of using the injured part, it would be in your best interest to seek professional advice.

What are fever blisters?
Fever blisters are fluid filled blisters that occur on the lips. They also can occur on the mouth, sometimes on the gums, and the hard palate. Fever blisters are caused from a herpes simplex virus that becomes active. This virus can lie dormant in afflicted people. However, the fever blisters can be activated by several factors. Stress, fever, trauma, hormonal changes, and exposure to sunlight can contribute to the fever blister activity.

What type of treatment is recommended for fever blisters?
Fever blisters should be coated with a protective barrier ointment containing an anti viral agent. This ointment can be effective; however we presently have not found a cure. There is much research being conducted. Perhaps your doctor or dentist can provide you with the most updated information of treatment.

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