Blisters are caused when the body fills the area under the skin with a fluid. This fluid is either blood, or more commonly a clear fluid called serum. Serum is a mixture of water and white blood cells that the body uses to repair damaged tissue.
Types of Blisters
- Friction blisters
- Burn blisters
- Blood blisters
Causes
The most common form is a friction blister. These form from repetitive rubbing or gripping. Some actions that cause blisters are tight shoes, extended running, weightlifting, rowing, climbing, etc. A blood blister is formed when something pinches the skin but only breaks a blood vessel and not the skin. Second and third degree burns and severe sunburns can cause a burn blister to form.
Should You Drain a Blister?
No. The fluid is very helpful for the healing process. If the blister is extremely painful, draining it can be helpful, but it’s better to just leave it alone. Draining a blister will expose it to infection, so make sure to keep it covered and clean if you do drain it.
How to Care for Blisters
The best way to care for a blister is to keep it covered and clean. Regularly wash the blister with soap and water, and keep it covered. The best options are bandages, or tape and gauze depending on the size and location of the blister.
When to See a Doctor
Burn blisters should always be assessed by a medical professional. Burns can damage to multiple layers of skin, so it’s best to have them treated properly. A blister can also get infected, even if you don’t drain it. If you notice yellow or green discharge, the area around the blister feeling hot or red marks appearing around the blister, see a doctor.
