A blister is accumulation of fluid under the skin. Blood blister on skin as the name suggests is a bump filled with blood. It appears red or purple in color. Blood blister develops when tiny blood vessels under the skin called capillaries are damaged. Blood escapes from the damaged vessel and forms a blister on the upper layer of skin.
Blisters filled with blood usually occur in areas which are exposed to repeated friction and pressure. Therefore they are predominantly seen under the toe, ball of the foot, back of the heel, finger tips and palms.
Blood blisters are not life threatening, but there is always risk of infection if the blister is punctured. Usually the blister heals on its own after few days. But there are several home remedies available to shorten the healing period and prevent infection.
What Causes Blood Blisters On Skin?
Blood blister develops as a result of friction and pressure. We all know the skin has superficial layer called the epidermis and deeper layer called the dermis.
Blood blisters normally occur on bony prominences or over the joints that are exposed to deep pressure and repeated friction. They develop accidentally when the skin is pinched with a tool or an object. Constant rubbing over a particular spot may also give rise to blister filled with blood.
Blisters filled with blood are therefore common under the toes, finger tips, on heel area and metatarsal head. People in certain profession and sport activities such as cricket, baseball, joggers, and drummers are prone to develop blood blisters on their hand and sole.
Home Remedies To Heal Blood Blisters On Skin
Blisters filled with blood can be as tiny as a pinhead or they may be larger in size. They are red or purple in color having smooth skin surface. Most blood blisters are painful. Usually blood blisters heal without treatment after few days or a week. But there are home remedies that may be useful in alleviating pain as well as shortening the healing time.
- Ice pack: Ice fomentation is one of the best home measures to reduce the size and swelling of blood blister. Take few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place the cloth over the affected area. Hold the ice pack for 10 minutes. Repeat it at least two to three times in a day for first two days.
- Aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel on the red blood blister. The sap of aloe vera has natural quality of reducing inflammation. It also has natural analgesic and anti bacterial properties. Apply it daily till the blister heals.
- Witch hazel: The tannin component in Witch Hazel is beneficial in reducing pain. Applying regularly will help in drying the blister earlier. Apply small amount of it on the blood blister at least three to four times in a day for few days or a week.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is time tested home remedy for treating blood blisters. It helps in dissipating the collected blood. It also has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial quality which is useful in preventing infection in the blood blister. Take a pinch of turmeric in a spoon and add honey to it. Take this mixture two times in a day. Alternately you can drink one glass of warm milk mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder.
- Cucumber: Cucumber contains mineral silica. Silica plays an important role in strengthening the skin tissue and walls of damaged blood vessels. Applying slice of cold cucumber will help in reducing swelling and pain of blood blister. You can also drink one glass of cucumber juice.