What are Blisters?
- Occurs due to friction caused by constant rubbing of shoes / clothes
- Outer skin layer separates from inner layer
- The space in-between fills up with fluid
- Common in athletes, trekkers, rowers
- Also seen in people using new shoes
- Can be prevented
Fever Blisters
- Fever blisters appear in /around mouth
- Fever blisters caused by virus, Herpes Simplex
- Type-1 Herpes virus usually involved in fever blisters
- These blisters are contagious
- Recurrent episodes may occur
- Recurrence due to stress/illness/injury/sunlight
Symptoms
- Bubble-like structures on skin
- Redness over the area
- Itching
- Pain
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Treatment
- Make a hole at the edge of blister
- Use a sterilized needle or pin
- Pin/needle sterilized by passing over flame
- Drain the accumulated fluid
- Keep skin intact to prevent infection
- Clean blister with gauze containing iodine/alcohol
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Cover with adhesive bandage for small blister
- Use porous, bandage for large ones
- Do not puncture blister if painless
- Do not puncture a blood-filled blister
- Blisters disappear in a few days time
- Diabetics should consult doctor
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Managing for fever (Oral) blisters
- No permanent cure/vaccination for Herpes infection
- Keep blisters dry & free of infection
- Eat a bland diet
Prevention Blisters
- Wear the right size shoe
- Cover the potential area with taping
- Keep feet dry always
Fever blisters
- Avoid touching blisters
- Avoid contact with an infected person
- Avoid stressful situations
