blister

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1. 1. A local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid and is caused by burning or irritation.
   2. A similar swelling on a plant.
2. 1. A raised bubble, as on a painted or laminated surface.
   2. A rounded, bulging, usually transparent structure, such as one used for observation on certain aircraft or for display and protection of packaged products.

1. To cause a blister to form on.
2. To reprove harshly.

To break out in or as if in blisters.

[Middle English, probably from Old French blestre, of Germanic origin.]

A raised, well circumscribed lesion of the skin, containing a sterile fluid, derived from the serum. Strictly, a blister or bulla has a diameter of greater than 5 mm, smaller lesions being called vesicles. Commonly they become infected and fill with pus, and are then known as pustules. They are caused by trauma (friction, burns, and scalds), allergic contact dermatitis, insect bites, sunburn, etc. In earlier times agents were used to raise vesicles or blisters on the skin to relieve the pain from deeper structures by the process of counter-irritation. A commonly used vesicant was a powder derived from the pulverized dried beetles of Lytta vesicatoria, containing cantharidin, and commonly known as Spanish Fly or Blistering Beetle.

— Alan W. Cuthbert

An injury in which the top layer of skin is detached from the underlying layer; the gap between the two layers becomes filled with a watery fluid from damaged cells. A blister is usually painful because the thick outer epidermis of the skin is lifted away to expose nerve-endings. Blisters are usually caused by friction. Training vigorously in brand new shoes is a common cause among exercisers. The time-honoured practice of applying surgical spirit to harden the feet may reduce the occurrence of blisters. Wearing two pairs of socks may prevent blisters by allowing friction to occur between the socks rather than between the socks and skin. However, if large uncomfortable blisters occur despite precautionary measures, they can be treated by releasing the fluid with a sterilized needle, snipping away dead skin, and then applying a sterile dressing. Small blisters should be left unbroken as long as possible to reduce the risk of infection.

verb

To criticize harshly and devastatingly: drub, excoriate, flay, lash, rip into, scarify, scathe, scorch, score, scourge, slap, slash. Informal roast. Slang slam. Idioms: burn someone's ears, crawl all over, pin someone's ears back, put someone on the griddle, put someone on the hot seat, rake over the coals, read the riot act to. See praise/blame.

A vesicle or bulla, usually a consequence of a burn or friction.

Definition

Blisters are small, raised lesions where fluid has collected under the skin. They may be caused by an allergic reaction, burns, frostbite, or by excessive friction or trauma to the skin. Blisters may also be a symptom of a systemic illness, or of a specific skin disorder.

Description

The thin-skinned sac of a blister contains fluid, and in most cases should not be ruptured, as rupturing can introduce infection and slow the healing process. Blisters that contain blood instead of fluid are aptly named blood blisters, and are caused by a rupture of blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin, usually due to trauma.

Causes & Symptoms

Blisters can be caused by a number of conditions and environmental agents, including:

• Friction. Rubbing or pinching can cause skin irritation and blistering. Friction blisters frequently occur on the hands and feet.
• Disease. Blisters are symptomatic of skin disorders such as impetigo, incontinentia pigmenti syndrome (IPS), and pemphigus vulgaris. Blisters may also be caused by diseases such as herpes and chickenpox.
• Contact dermatitis. Skin contact with an allergen (e.g., latex, cosmetics, cleaning solutions) can trigger redness, irritation, rash, and blistering of the skin. Blisters also typically appear after skin contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
• Burns. Blisters appear in cases of severe sunburn and thermal burns.
• Frostbite. Severely frostbitten skin frequently blisters.
• Trauma. Blood blisters are caused by trauma to the skin.

Other new causes of blisters are discovered by clinicians. In 2002, a report discussed how a newly identified autoimmune blistering disease involving the mucous membranes also increased the risk of some solid cancers.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis and treatment of most minor blisters can typically be made at home by examination of the affected area. Blisters thought to be caused by a systemic illness or disease may require professional diagnosis by a physician, dermatologist, or other healthcare professional. A medical history, physical examination, and further medical testing may be part of the diagnostic procedure.

Treatment

Unless they are hindering movement or are extremely painful due to their size and/or location, blisters should not be ruptured, or "popped," as doing so can introduce bacteria into the wound. If a blister does burst, the extra skin should be left intact. Blisters that are excessively large or painful should only be punctured using antiseptic procedures, preferably by or under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional.

Treatment of blisters depends on their cause. Blisters that are symptomatic of a disease or disorder require treatment of the illness itself. Blisters caused by friction or trauma can be treated by cleansing with mild soap, applying an antiseptic, and covering the area with a sterile bandage. An herbalist, aromatherapist, or holistic healthcare professional may recommend a compress of an antiseptic or anti-microbial herb such as marigold (Calendula officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), or tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia).

The blister should be kept clean and the bandage changed frequently. Blood blisters should be bandaged firmly to apply pressure to the area and prevent further blood vessel ruptures.

Allopathic Treatment

Conventional medicine typically follows the same procedures for treating skin blisters. A prescription or over-the-counter antiseptic ointment may be recommended to clean the blistered area.

Expected Results

With proper treatment, most minor blisters will heal without complication in a matter of days. More serious blisters caused by severe burns and certain diseases may produce permanent scarring or discoloration of the skin.

Prevention

Friction blisters can be prevented by wearing adequate protection on the area prone to blistering. For example, long distance runners can purchase properly fitting shoes. People who work with their hands or feet can purchase special gloves or shoes and boots. For instance, in 2002, a boot company introduced safety toe footwear for occupational use with enough room for toes to move freely without rubbing against steel–toe caps.

Fair-skinned individuals who are prone to sunburn should take extra precautions to avoid skin blistering, such as using a high SPF sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) and wearing a large brimmed hat and long-sleeved, loose clothing in the sun.

Resources

Books

Lawless, Julia. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy. Boston, MA: Element Books, 1997.

Periodicals

Minter, Stephen G. "Safety Boots to Prevent Blisters." Occupational Hazards (May 2002): 106.

Worcester, Sharon. "Risk of Solid Cancers Raised by Blistering Disease (Study of 35 Patients)." Skin &Allergy News (June 2002): 45.

[Article by: Paula Ford-Martin; Teresa G. Odle]

For more information on blister, visit Britannica.com.

1. A roughly circular or elongated unbonded area between plies of laminated constructions, as in wood veneer. Usually caused by entrapped moisture. Also called steam blow.
2. A spongy raised portion of a roofing membrane, where separation of the felts has occurred or the membrane is not bonded to the substrate as a result of the expansion of water and air trapped in the membrane.
3. A raised spot on the surface of the metal caused by expansion of gas in a sub-surface zone during thermal treatment.
4. A raised area on the surface of a molded plastic caused by the pressure of internal gases on its incompletely hardened surface.
5. See blistering
6. A convex, raised area on the surface of a pipe which indicates an internal separation.

An injury to the skin in which the top layer is detached from the underlying layer. The gap between the layers becomes filled with a watery fluid lost from damaged cells. The blister is usually painful because the thick outer epidermis is lifted away, exposing nerve endings. Blisters are usually caused by friction between the skin and another surface. They are common in athletes who train or compete in new shoes that have not been worn-in properly. The prophylactic application of surgical spirits is a time-honoured tradition, which may help prevent blisters. A blister can be treated by releasing the fluid with a sterilized needle and then applying a sterile dressing. The roof of the blister should not be removed because it acts as biological dressing and accelerates healing.

1. a vesicle, especially a bulla, a lesion of the skin.
2. a paste containing an irritant such as cantharides used to plaster onto a horse's leg to produce counterirritation and encourage healing of a strained tendon or ligament.

• b. beetle — see epicauta vittata.
• blood b. — a vesicle having bloody contents, as may be caused by a pinch or bruise.
• b. fly — see cantharis vesicatoria.
• internal b. — see sclerosing agents.

For other uses, see Blister (disambiguation).

Look up blister in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Blister
Classification and external resources
Blister on foot caused by wearing thongs/flip flops.
ICD-10	T14.0
ICD-9	910-914, 940.0-949.5
DiseasesDB	1777
MedlinePlus	003239
MeSH	D001768

A blister is a small pocket of fluid within the upper layers of the skin, typically caused by forceful rubbing (friction), burning, freezing, chemical exposure or infection. Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid called serum or plasma (aka, "blister water"). However, blisters can be filled with blood (known as blood blisters) or with pus (if they become infected).

The word "blister" entered English in the 14th century. It came from the Middle Dutch "bluyster", and was a modification of the Old French "blostre" which meant a leprous nodule -- a rise in the skin due to leprosy.

Contents 1 Causes 1.1 Friction or rubbing 1.2 Extreme temperature 1.3 Chemical exposure 1.4 Crushing/Pinching 1.5 Disease 2 Prevention 2.1 Friction blisters 2.2 Blisters due to sunburn 2.3 Chemical induced blisters 3 Treatment 3.1 Friction blisters 3.2 Blisters due to sunburn 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

Causes

A blister may form when the skin has been damaged by friction or rubbing, heat, cold or chemical exposure. Fluid collects between the epidermis--the upper layer of the skin--and the layers below. This fluid cushions the tissue underneath, protecting it from further damage and allowing it to heal.

Friction or rubbing

Picture showing a relatively large blister, the dead skin has been pushed down to expose the flesh underneath.

Intense rubbing can cause a blister, as can any friction on the skin if continued long enough. This kind of blister is most common after wearing a new pair of shoes.^[1][2][3] Blisters are most common on the hands and feet, as these extremities are susceptible while walking, running, or performing repetitive motions. Blisters form more easily on moist skin than on dry or soaked skin^[4], and are more common in warm conditions. Less aggressive rubbing over long periods of time may cause callus to form rather than a blister. Both blister and callus can lead to more serious complications, such as foot ulceration and infection, particularly when sensation or circulation is impaired, as in the case of diabetes, neuropathy or peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Extreme temperature

First and second degree burns may result in blistered skin. Blisters can also form on the hands and feet as a result of tissue damage incurred by frostbite.

Chemical exposure

Sometimes, the skin will blister when it comes into contact with a cosmetic, detergent, solvent or other chemical. This is known as contact dermatitis. Blisters can also develop as a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting.

Crushing/Pinching

A blood blister usually forms when a minute blood vessel close to the surface of the skin ruptures (breaks) and blood leaks into a tear between the layers of skin. This can happen if the skin is crushed, pinched or aggressively squeezed.

Disease

There are also a number of medical conditions that cause blisters. The most common are chickenpox, herpes, impetigo, and a form of eczema called dyshidrosis. Other, much rarer conditions that cause blisters include:

• Bullous pemphigoid – a skin disease that causes large, tightly-filled blisters to develop, usually affecting people over the age of 60.
• Pemphigus – a serious skin disease in which blisters develop if pressure is applied to the skin; the blisters burst easily, leaving raw areas that can become infected.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis – a skin disease that causes intensely itchy blisters, usually on the elbows, knees, back and buttocks. The blisters usually develop in patches of the same shape and size on both sides of the body.
• Chronic bullous dermatosis – a disease that causes clusters of blisters on the face, mouth or genitals.
• Cutaneous radiation syndrome

Prevention

Friction blisters

Friction blisters, caused by rubbing against the skin, can be prevented by reducing the friction to a level where blisters will not form.^[1][2][3][5] This can be accomplished in a variety of ways.

Blisters on the feet can be prevented by wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and clean socks. Inherently ill-fitting or stiffer shoes, such as high heels and dress shoes, present a larger risk of blistering. Blisters are more likely to develop on skin that is moist, so socks that manage moisture or frequent sock changes will aid those with particularly sweaty feet. While exercising or playing sports, special sports socks can help keep feet drier and reduce the chance of blisters.^[6] Before going for a long walk, it is also important to ensure that shoes or hiking boots have been properly broken in.

Even before a "hot" or irritated area on the foot is felt, taping a protective layer of padding or a friction-reducing interface between the affected area and the footwear can prevent the formation of a blister.^[7] Bandages, moleskin and tapes generally must be applied to the foot daily, and most have a very high coefficient of friction (COF), but a friction management patch applied to the shoe will remain in place much longer, throughout many changes of socks and insoles. This type of intervention may be used with footwear that is worn daily, with specialty shoes and boots like hockey skates, ice skates, ski boots and cleats, or even with orthotic braces and splints.

To avoid friction blisters on the hands, gloves should be worn when using tools such as a shovel or pickaxe, or doing manual work such as gardening.

A lubricant, typically talcum powder, can be used to reduce friction between skin and apparel in the short term. People put talcum powder inside gloves or shoes for this purpose, although this type of lubricant will increase the friction in the long term, as it absorbs moisture. Increased friction makes blisters more likely.

Blisters due to sunburn

Sunscreen and sun protection should also be used during the hottest part of the day to avoid blisters from sunburn.

Chemical induced blisters

Protective gloves should be worn when handling detergents, cleaning products, solvents and other chemicals.

Treatment

Friction blisters

First, the irritation must be stopped. Then, most blisters heal naturally and do not require medical attention. As new skin grows beneath the blister, the fluid contained within it will slowly be reabsorbed by the body and the skin on top will dry and peel off. A dressing may be placed over the blister to protect it, and some sort of emollient may be used to keep the skin soft as it heals. Soaking the blister in warm water may also provide temporary pain relief during the healing process.

The unbroken skin over a blister provides a natural barrier to infection, and patients should try to keep blisters intact and unbroken in order to avoid infection. Ideally, blisters should be allowed to break on their own, only after the skin underneath has healed.^[8]

Blisters can occasionally become infected. Infection should be prevented with antibiotics if possible, and treated if necessary. There is heightened concern about MRSA and other kinds of infections from blisters, so they should be watched carefully.^[9]

A common treatment used by medics in the U.S. Army is to drain the fluid from a blister and to inject the same amount of compound tincture of benzoin to help seal the space created by the blister, to serve as a local antiseptic, and to prevent further abrasion or loss of skin.^[10]

Blisters due to sunburn

Again, most of these blisters will heal naturally. Moisturizing, after-sun or calamine lotions can help to ease discomfort in the case of burns.

See also

• Buboe
• Callus
• Dracunculiasis
• Herpangina
• Herpes zoster
• Ulcer
• Verucca
• warts

References

1. ^ ^{a b} [Naylor PFD. "The Skin Surface and Friction," British Journal of Dermatology. 1955;67:239-248.]
2. ^ ^{a b} [Naylor PFD. "Experimental Friction Blisters," British Journal of Dermatology. 1955;67:327-342.]
3. ^ ^{a b} [Sulzberger MB, Cortese TA, Fishman L, Wiley HS. "Studies on Blisters Produced by Friction," Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1966;47:456-465.]
4. ^ [Carlson JM. "The Friction Factor," OrthoKinetic Review. Nov/Dec 2001;1(7):1-3.]
5. ^ [Hanna T, Carlson JM. "Freedom from Friction," OrthoKinetic Review. Mar/Apr 2004;4(2):34-35.]
6. ^ http://www.goengo.com/facts_studies_blisters101.aspx
7. ^ http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Health%20%26%20Safety/First%20Aid%20Kits/ENGO%20Blister%20Prevention%20Patches/
8. ^ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/understanding-blister-treatment
9. ^ http://vonhof.typepad.com/happy_feet/2008/12/preventing-infection-from-blisters.html
10. ^ http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pams/p600-4.pdf Department of the Army TRADOC Pam 600-4, INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING SOLDIER’S HANDBOOK

External links

	Look up blister in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

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This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)

Dansk (Danish)
n. - vable, blister, blæne
v. tr. - lægge trækplaster på
v. intr. - danne vabler, få vabler

Nederlands (Dutch)
blaar, bladder, zeurpiet, bladderen, blaren krijgen, tekeergaan tegen

Français (French)
n. - ampoule, cloque, soufflure (de métal), bulle (de verre), (fig) fléau, poison, plaie (péj)
v. tr. - se faire une ampoule, cloquer, faire cloquer
v. intr. - se faire une ampoule, cloquer, former des soufflures

Deutsch (German)
n. - Blase
v. - Blasen werfen/bekommen

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - καντήλα, φουσκάλα, φυσαλίδα, κακός μπελάς
v. - φουσκαλιάζω, βγάζω φουσκάλες ή κάλους, κατακρίνω δριμύτατα, καυτηριάζω

Italiano (Italian)
coprirsi di vesciche, vescica

Português (Portuguese)
n. - bolha (f)
v. - formar bolhas, empolar

Русский (Russian)
покрываться волдырями, волдырь, водянка

Español (Spanish)
n. - ampolla, vejiga, envase de píldoras
v. tr. - ampollar
v. intr. - ampollarse, formar ampollas

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - blåsa, blämma, utbuktning, dragplåster
v. - åstadkomma blåsor

中文（简体）(Chinese (Simplified))
水泡, 气泡, 砂眼, 泡形罩, 使起水泡, 痛打, 猛烈抨击, 起水泡

中文（繁體）(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 水泡, 氣泡, 砂眼, 泡形罩
v. tr. - 使起水泡, 痛打, 猛烈抨擊
v. intr. - 起水泡

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 물집, 거품, 돌출부
v. tr. - ~에 물집이 생기게 하다, ~을 공격하다
v. intr. - 물집이 생기다

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - 水ぶくれ, 疱疹, ふくれ, あわ, 不快な人物
v. - 水ぶくれをつくる, 傷付ける

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) تورم جلدي خفيف, بثرة مائيه (فعل) تنفط (الجلد)‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮בועה, אבעבועה, כוויה‬
v. tr. - ‮גרם לבועות‬
v. intr. - ‮התכסה בועות‬

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