To some people skin, blisters can be common. In summertime, where the heat goes up, causing the feet to swell, blisters are likely to develop. These blisters are initially foot frictions, which sometimes develop into fluid-fill blisters.
How are blisters formed?
Blisters are formed on the upper skin surface, especially on the layer which has been damaged. Blisters are common, do not require specific medical cares, and may develop anywhere around the body, although those are commonly developed on the feet and hands. Blisters come from frictions which can be caused by various things. When new skin layer is formed, it covers the fractioned skin and thus forms swollen skin parts, referred as blisters. Fluids which fills blisters are actually cushioning the inner tissues from further damages. Blisters are commonly filled with clear fluid, although some might be filled with blood since it is infected. Some risk factors causing blisters are:
- Skin frictions
- Heat or temperature
- Certain harsh chemicals
- Skin diseases
Blisters should not be burst as this may lead into unwanted infection. Opened blisters are exposed to harsh condition and substances which may cause delay in healing process. However, you might experience burst blisters which may need special attention.
Healing broken blisters
Blisters normally occur because of the pressure experienced by certain areas of the skin, which can be worsened by heat or dry environment. In most cases, blisters can heal by itself within days, without requiring any medical treatments. However, some blisters which are left untreated may develop into calluses or corns—the other skin problems which may need medications. Watery blisters usually heal faster when it is freed from excessive pressure and kept hydrated. However, some other kinds of blisters may burst and break, resulting in an opened wound. This is a phase when blisters do need special attention, as an opened wound can be prone of infection. A broken blister is exposed to harsh environment and substances, which can easily cause bacterial transmission. To avoid this, you need to carefully care for your broken blisters by doing these things:
- Wash the area around the broken blisters and the blister itself with running waterand mild soap. Do not use alcohol or iodine as it may tear the connective tissues and newly-formed skin cells. Do not rub the opened blister harshly. Instead, pat the wounded area with a clean towel to disinfect it.
- Avoid picking the flapped akin around the blister as it may cause another skin tear. Wash the flap to dismiss any left debris from the wound.
- Dry the wound with clean towel and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent bacterial infection.
- Change the bandage whenever it gets soaked with the wound fluids. Keeping the wound moist under a sterilized gauze is the best treatment, as exposing it may cause severe dryness which lead into a bigger crack.
Preventing blisters
Preventing is always better, and this applies for blisters. Once appear, blisters may cause disturbance to your daily life, although it is likely to heal without any medical attention. Yet, some proper things can keep the blisters away and prevent you from the risk of having an opened wound from burst blisters. You might want to consider these things in preventing blisters from occurring.
- Always wear well-fitting shoes, which will prevent your feet and toes from unnecessary pressure which may cause skin frictions.
- Keep your feet dry and avoid from wet-dry-wet condition which may increase the possibility of getting blisters.
- Be cautious of chemical substances which might occur in certain objects. Always be cautious when handling a detergent of plant fertilizer by wearing gloves. Harsh chemical substances are likely to cause skin frictions which in certain circumstances might develop into watery blisters.
- Shield your skin from unhealthy ultraviolet. Sufficient sunlight is definitely good for your health. Yet, excessive exposure to sunlight, especially the unhealthy ultraviolet might promote over-dry skin. When skin loses its hydration, it is easier to break. As the result, frictions and wound can be easily developed. Moisturizing your skin is also important. Apply moisturizer which is enriched with vitamin E or use a virgin olive oil for a more natural treatment.