Blisters are tiny bumps consisting of fluid usually on the upper layer of skin that gets damaged. They can occur on any part of the body, but more commonly seen on hands and feet. Blisters occur for vide variety of reasons; it may range from mild friction to more severe conditions such as burns. Usually the fluid which collects under the upper layer of skin is clear and transparent. But sometimes it may be filled with pus when infected.
Normally the skin remains intact and does not allow germs to enter into the bump.
A fluid filled blister usually heals within few days without any treatment. But an infected blister needs treatment. Conventional treatment consists of antibiotics. It can also be treated with home remedies.
What Causes An Infected Blister?
Blisters develop on upper layer of skin. The usual site of blister formation is foot and hands, although it can also occur on other areas of body. There is wide variety of reasons to produce blisters.
Serum is a part of blood that is clear and transparent. Blister fills up with the clear fluid. Sometimes the bacteria present on the skin surface can get access inside the bump causing infection. It takes few days for the blister to become infected.
Blisters can develop due to many reasons. A small skin friction can produce blister. Burns from heat, fire, radiation, chemicals, or even sun can cause blisters. Blisters also develop in infections such as chicken pox, herpes, cold sores, impetigo, etc.
How To Know If A Blister Is Infected?
Usually the fluid inside an uninfected blister is clear and transparent. But with infection the color of fluid changes to yellow or cream.
- Blister filled with clear fluid is painless in most cases, but an infected blister is extremely painful.
- Redness and swelling accompanied with yellow pus inside the bump is characteristic of infected blister.
- Patient may have throbbing pain around the affected area. It may persist throughout the day.
- Infection occurs few days after formation of blister. The surrounding area becomes red and swollen.
- Patient may have systemic symptoms such as fever, body ache, headache, and generalized weakness when the blister is infected.
How To Treat An Infected Blister
An infected blister should not be neglected, as there is risk of complications such as sepsis. Daily monitoring the infected blister is essential. If you suspect the blister has become infected, give some time for it to heal on its own. As in many cases the fluid inside the blister is absorbed by the body.
Avoid touching the blister with your hands. Wear gloves before you touch the blister. Cover the area with sterilized gauze. Once you have taken primary care of the infected blister, you have to consult your doctor. After examination he may prescribe antibiotics that will help in healing it.
Depending on the size and severity of infected blister, the doctor may make a small incision with medical instruments to drain the pus. It helps to relieve pain and enhance healing. Daily dressing with antiseptic solution may be necessary. Over a period of time the infected bump will dry and heal.