Water blisters are fairly common. They happen to everyone at one time or another, and there are many possible causes. Fortunately, these tender spots are simple to treat and usually take little time to heal.
What Are Water Blisters?
Water blisters are comprised of blood serum, minus the clotting agents and blood cells. When the body detects damage to the outer layer of the skin, it sends blood to the area in order to heal and cool the area. Acting as a protective shield, the serum pads the wound and prevents further harm from taking place. These painful water-filled bumps appear most frequently on the hands and feet, but can form anywhere.
Recognizing Blisters
Unlike blood blisters, the water variety appears as a bulbous pocket of water. Single blisters or clusters may appear wherever the body needs healing.
These pockets of serum come in different shapes, from round to oval. Small ones may look like clear pimples while large blisters can be the size of a nickel or quarter, depending on its cause.
Causes of Blisters
There are several possible reasons this type of blister may occurs. The most common are as follows:
Contact dermatitis (poison ivy, chemicals, and other irritants)
While these are the common explanations, they are not the only causes of water blisters. According to Healthline, blisters can also be caused by skin conditions, such as: pemphigus, porphyrias, epidermolysis bullosa, and dermatitis herpetiformis.
Treatment Options
Taking proper care of a blister (or blisters) is essential to avoid pain or discomfort during the healing process. For the most part, water blisters do not require treatment. They will heal on their own in a few days or weeks, depending on the size and cause. However, certain things can slow down healing, such as infection and placement.
The best way to take care of a blister is to avoid what caused it. Beyond that, there are several at home remedies to help the skin look and feel better. The Reader's Digest article, "9 Ways to Heal Blisters on Feet or Anywhere," mentions protecting the area with bandages, applying aloe vera, and giving it plenty of time to breathe.
Reasons Not to Drain a Blister
Something to avoid is draining or popping your blister. While it may be tempting to get rid of those raised bumps, this can be dangerous, and many medical professionals advise against it. In the article, "To Pop or Not To Pop?" Dr. James Hubbard discusses the importance of letting a blister heal on its own. (Especially blisters caused by heat or burns, as they tend to heal slowly and are more likely to become infected.)
While water blisters may not be aesthetically pleasing, they actually keep the wound sterile. Popping a blister can increase your risk of infection and slow down the natural healing process.
When to Drain a Blister
There are some occasions when it is appropriate to drain or pop a water blister. For instance, if the area is painful, causes extreme discomfort, or has begun to leak fluid, it may need to be drained.
In those rare instances, it is important to proceed with caution. According to the WebMD page, "Understanding Blisters" they can be drained at home. To do so:
Remove any clothing covering the water bumps.
Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water. This limits the chances of exposing the skin to infection.
Immerse a needle in rubbing alcohol. It should be totally immersed to be completely sanitized.
Dampen a washcloth, wring out excess water, and then squirt a dab of liquid soap on the cloth.
Wipe the area with the soapy cloth to clean the surface of the skin.
Using the needle, puncture the blister along the outer edge.
Push out the fluid gently, guiding the serum out of the hole.
Pat the blister with clean gauze, dabbing any excess water.
Sports enthusiasts often experience these blisters. The Walking Site says that friction, sweating and heat can cause it to occur. The best thing you can do in the future is focus on prevention.
Fitted Shoes
The number one cause of a blister is ill-fitting shoes. Shoes that are too large or too small can cause friction. A rule of a thumb when shopping is to have half inch an inch of space between the toe and end of the shoe. It should not slip on easily or move around when you walk. Additionally, be sure to examine the shoes for seams that may rub against the skin.
Drink Water
Water intake can affect your overall skin condition. Keep it moist and supple by staying hydrated. If you are sweating excessively, swap water for drinks that have a sodium replacement.
The Right Socks
Be sure to wear proper socks as well. Avoid wearing old, thin socks, as they will not provide you with enough protection. Socks should fit properly, be the right size, and consist of light cotton materials.
Avoid Sunburns
When the body heals from a painful sunburn, it often produces blisters. The key to protecting your skin is to avoid a sunburn altogether. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, re-apply throughout the day, and wear sun-safe clothing.
Keeping Skin Safe
To avoid further problems, focus on keeping the skin as safe as possible. Stop any action that has caused water blisters to appear - and take precautions to prevent their development in the future. Anytime a blister shows a sign of infection or poor healing, visit a doctor for treatment.
