Without treatment, the infection can potentially involve more areas of the skin or enter the bloodstream. Cellulitis is a common skin infection that can be serious. It happens when germs get into the deep layers of skin and affect the tissue underneath. People may also develop a fever and blisters on the surface of the infected area. Red or swollen skin that feels warm or tender is the first sign of cellulitis.
If a person does not get treatment, the infection can spread into the bloodstream. Bacteremia refers to bacteria in the blood. It happens when an infection in one part of the body spreads into the bloodstream. Sepsis happens when the body reacts too strongly to the germs as they spread through the blood.
The body uses inflammation as part of its natural defense system. As it works to fight the germs in the blood, the inflammation and resulting changes in the blood flow cause life-threatening organ dysfunction. Sometimes, sepsis can lead to septic shock. In this situation, the person requires certain medications to keep their blood pressure at a safe level. People with diabetes should be extra careful of blisters on their feet because some people who have had the condition for a long time are unable to feel pain in this part of the body.
As a result, a blister can go unnoticed, increasing the chances of it becoming infected or progressing to an ulcer. People with insulin dependent diabetes have a higher risk of developing a foot ulcer.
Individuals with diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease , as well as those who smoke or drink alcohol, may also be more likely to develop a foot ulcer. People should keep blisters clean and dry throughout the healing period. To keep the area clean, they can use soap and water and then cover it with a loose bandage.
If the blister pops, they can put Vaseline on the area and cover it with a Band-Aid each day until it heals. As with noninfected blisters, people can use padding to protect sores on the soles of the feet. It is best to avoid placing pressure on the area if possible. If tight shoes caused the blister, for example, a person should avoid wearing them until after the healing process has finished.
Over-the-counter topical antibiotics, such as Neosporin, are not suitable as there is a small risk that they will cause a rash called allergic contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Blisters are common, especially on the feet. Pressure or friction, potentially from wearing tight or poorly fitting shoes, can often cause them. They look like small, fluid-filled pockets of skin. Blisters will usually heal on their own over 1—2 weeks. Blisters can become infected if the skin over the top of the blister breaks, allowing germs to get in.
If a person drains the blister or it pops, this can make infection more likely. Without treatment, infections can travel around the body on the skin or in the bloodstream, which can lead to potentially dangerous health conditions, such as cellulitis or sepsis.
Blood blister are similar to normal blisters, except they fill with blood instead of the clear fluid in a standard blister. We'll explain why chafing occurs and how you can treat and prevent this skin irritation. As an integral part of your everyday life, your feet experience a lot of wear and tear. You're likely to develop foot problems over time as a result. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs. They're tried and true. Blue lips are most often caused when something is preventing you from getting enough oxygen into your body.
Read on to discover some of the causes of…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How to Get Rid of a Blister. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Leave it alone Protect it Natural remedies Drain it Warning signs Prevention Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers.
What is a blister? Other possible causes of blisters include: burns sunburns frostbite eczema allergic reactions exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac viral infections, such as herpes, shingles, or chickenpox bacterial infections.
Leave it alone. Protect it. Try natural remedies. Drain it. When to see a doctor. Preventing blisters. The bottom line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. How to Treat and Prevent Chafing.
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. Recognizing and Treating Common Foot Problems. Whether it is safe or advisable to pop a blister depends on several factors, including what caused it. Friction, or rubbing, can irritate the skin and cause a blister. Ill-fitting or tight shoes, for example, can rub the skin for a prolonged period, resulting in a blister forming.
This type of blister will usually heal on its own if a person keeps it clean and dry. Popping it will increase the likelihood of germs getting into the wound and causing an infection. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology AAD , it may be advisable to drain a friction blister that is large or very painful to ease the discomfort.
Heat, electricity, and sunlight can burn the skin and lead to blistering. Chemical burns can also cause blisters. Historically, doctors labeled burns as either first, second, or third degree. Now, they prefer to classify burns according to their depth. There are three main types of burn:. Most household burns and sunburns are either superficial burns or minor partial thickness burns. There may be a small amount of blistering, and the area will look red and a little swollen. It will also be painful.
Read about treatments for burn blisters here. Dyshidrotic eczema is a common form of eczema that can cause itchy, dry skin and small, deep-seated blisters on the hands or feet. These blisters are usually itchy and painful. Eczema is a long-term condition for which there is no cure, and the symptoms tend to come and go over time. Blisters can appear during a flare-up of symptoms, which stress or a rise in temperature can trigger.
These small blisters usually clear up in 2—3 weeks. They may burst on their own, but people should avoid popping them. Certain viral infections can cause blisters.
These include infections with the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles , and the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores or fever blisters. Doctors will typically advise people to avoid scratching or breaking open chickenpox or shingles blisters as doing this can leave a scar. Instead, a person can try applying calamine lotion to the skin or adding baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to a cool bath to help reduce the itching.
Cold sores usually appear close to the mouth, often on or next to the lips. They may be in the form of a single blister or a cluster of blisters. Cold sore blisters will usually go away by themselves in a week or two. It is important to avoid popping, scratching, or touching these blisters as this can spread the virus to other areas of skin, causing further outbreaks.
According to the AAD , a person can follow these steps to drain a blister properly:. Using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the needle does not always prevent infection. People who are prone to getting infections may wish to ask a doctor to drain the blister for them in a more sterile environment. If a person suspects that a blister has become infected, they should speak to a doctor.
0コメント