Blisters
What is a blister?
A blister is a bump on the skin containing fluid. Blisters are usually circular in shape. The fluid that forms underneath the skin can be bloody or clear.
What causes a blister?
Blisters are caused by injury, allergic reactions, or infections, which may include the following:
- friction (from a shoe, for example)
- eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis)
- impetigo - a contagious infection of the skin.
- pemphigus - a rare, blistering skin disease often occurring in middle-aged and elderly adults.
- pemphigoid - a blistering autoimmune disorder.
- dermatitis herpetiformis - a blistering autoimmune disorder.
- viral infections (including chickenpox and herpes zoster)
The symptoms of a blister may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
First-aid for blisters:
Blisters often heal spontaneously. Treatment will vary, depending on the cause. Some general guidelines for first-aid may include:
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- A cold or ice pack may help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Keep the area clean and dry - do not burst or puncture the blister.
- If the blister bursts, place an adhesive bandage or dressing on the area to keep it clean.
- Observe the area for signs of infection such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, pus formation, or pain. If you notice any signs of infection, call your physician. Antibiotics may be needed.
Treatment for blisters:
A blister will usually heal on its own. Treatment may include:
- keeping the area clean
- antibiotics (to treat infections)
- dressings on burst blisters
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The Dermatology Programs and Services at Rush
Dermatology specialists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offer comprehensive care for common and rare skin, hair and nail diseases. Offering care for people of all ages, our dermatologists are leading authorities in skin care whose expertise draws patients from all over the Midwest. The dermatology team at Rush offers safe and innovative treatments based on years of experience as well as the latest scientific research.
Click here to visit our Department of Dermatology.
Services Provided
Comprehensive dermatology services for adults and children include:
- Innovative treatments for various dermatologic conditions
such as
- Acne
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- State-of-the-art treatments for all forms of skin cancer include:
- The CTCL Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for people with a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatments include extracorporeal photophoresis, one of the most effective treatments for patients with this disease.
- The Melanoma Surveillance Clinic provides innovative intervention and treatment strategies for melanoma, including the use of photographic surveillance to track high-risk moles over time.
- Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) Clinic provides Mohs surgery, which has the highest cure rate of any procedure for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon uses a microscope to remove the very last traces of cancer cells.
- The Cosmetic Dermatology Program provides:
- Antiaging therapies, such as Botox and collagen injections.
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion to make skin smoother and improve acne, wrinkles and skin discoloration.
- Advanced laser therapy to decrease excess hair growth and reduce lines and scars.
- Varicose vein treatments, including laser therapy and sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of special solutions into the veins to reduce their appearance.
In addition to the services above, the department tests the efficacy of new treatments for different skin diseases through its Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Clinical studies are complemented by a basic science laboratory, where investigators are conducting state-of-the-art research on mast cell biology and mastocytosis.
Finding a specialist at Rush:
To find a dermatologist at Rush click here.
Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number:
To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).
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Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Skin Injury