What is it?
A friction blister is a soft pocket of raised skin filled with clear fluid caused by irritation from continuous rubbing or pressure. Friction blisters usually occur on the feet, where tight or poor-fitting shoes can rub and irritate delicate toes and heels for long periods of time. This type of irritation causes minor damage to the skin and the tissue just beneath the skin, then fluid accumulates just beneath the outermost layer of skin. If the irritation is enough to damage small blood vessels, the blister also may contain blood, and is then called a blood blister.
Symptoms
A friction blister is a small pocket of puffy, raised skin containing clear fluid. It is usually painful when touched. A blister can appear anywhere.
Diagnosis
Blisters can be diagnosed by looking at them. In short, if it looks like a blister and feels like a blister, and if it's in a place that could have been irritated by pressure or rubbing, it likely is a blister.
Expected duration
Friction blisters typically drain on their own within days. A new layer of skin forms beneath the blister, and eventually the blistered skin peels away.
If pressure or friction continues in the same area, the blister may last two weeks or longer. Continued friction may rub away the delicate top skin layer, and the blister may break open, ooze fluid and run the risk of becoming infected or developing into a deeper wound. If the irritation is mild, the blister may heal despite continued irritation, and eventually a callus will form.
Prevention
The best way to prevent friction blisters is to wear shoes that fit your feet well, so that the shoe is not tight anywhere and does not slide up and down your heel when you walk. Wear socks with shoes to protect your feet and prevent irritation, and try to keep your feet dry. If another activity is causing blisters — for example, if learning to play golf is causing blisters on your hands — ask an instructor to point out other ways to perform the same activity in a nonirritating way, and take advantage of protective devices, such as gloves.
Treatment
Because blisters typically get better on their own in just a few days, generally no special treatment is required other than to keep the blisters clean and dry. Because the skin provides a natural protection against infection, a blister should be left intact if possible. Do not try to drain the blister or pierce or cut away the overlying skin. Try to avoid further irritation, or protect the blister with a sterile bandage if continued irritation is unavoidable. If the blister breaks on its own, gently wash the area with soap and water and gently pat dry. Try to keep the roof of the blister intact. Cover it with a bandage.
People with diabetes and people who cannot reach blisters easily (because of a physical disability or other ailment) may need to have their blisters evaluated by a foot specialist (podiatrist) or other health care professional. People with diabetes often have nerve or circulation problems that make it more difficult to recognize wounds, and that cause wounds to heal more slowly. In these people, a simple foot blister might go unrecognized and could become infected. People with diabetes need to care for their feet daily and examine them for sores or blisters.
When to call a professional
Widespread blistering, itchy blisters or blistering in a place that has not been exposed to rubbing or pressure should be evaluated by a physician. These are signs of an illness, not friction blisters.
For typical blisters, medical care is needed only if an infection develops. This is more likely to occur if the skin over the blister has been pierced, broken or popped. These types of blisters need to be watched for a few days to make sure they heal properly. See your doctor immediately if you think you have an infection, see significant redness, notice drainage that is not clear fluid or develop a fever. Also, seek professional help if the blister is so large or painful that walking or other activities become difficult.
People with diabetes who get blisters frequently or have blisters that don't seem to heal should see a health care professional.
Prognosis
Most blisters heal on their own in a few days. If there is continued pressure or friction to the area, it may take two weeks or longer for the blister to go away.
Additional info
American Diabetes Association
https://www.diabetes.org/
American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
https://www.apma.org/
FAQs
Friction blisters typically drain on their own within days. A new layer of skin forms beneath the blister, and eventually the blistered skin peels away. If pressure or friction continues in the same area, the blister may last two weeks or longer.
Are friction blisters serious? ›
Friction blisters will heal on their own. However, dressings are helpful to protect from further damage. Hydrocolloid blister plasters may promote faster healing. Large blisters can be drained by pricking with a sterile needle.
What is the best medicine for friction blister? ›
Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the blister and cover it with a nonstick bandage or gauze pad. After several days, cut away the dead skin. Use tweezers and scissors that you sterilize with an antiseptic wipe or rubbing alcohol. Apply more ointment and a bandage.
Is it okay to pop a friction blister? ›
New skin will form underneath the affected area and the fluid is simply absorbed. Do not puncture a blister unless it is large, painful, or likely to be further irritated. The fluid-filled blister keeps the underlying skin clean, which prevents infection and promotes healing.
Should I put Neosporin on a friction blister? ›
Although not necessary, blisters may be covered with a band- aid or other bandage. 4. Although not necessary, you can use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin (triple antibiotic ointment, polysporin (double antibiotic ointment, or Vaseline (petroleum jelly).
Does Vaseline help friction blisters? ›
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
Applying an occlusive ointment to blisters can help reduce friction when the area rubs up against clothing or shoes, says Dr. Mary Stevenson, a dermatologic surgeon and an associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health.
What is the liquid in a friction blister? ›
Most blisters are filled with a clear fluid (serum). This cushions the tissue underneath. It protects the tissue from further damage and allows it to heal. Blisters may be filled with blood (blood blisters) or pus if they become inflamed or infected.
Should you cover a blister or let it breathe? ›
Use a loose bandage to protect it. Avoid the activity that caused the blister. If a small blister is on a weight-bearing area like the bottom of the foot, protect it with a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad. Leave the area over the blister open.
How long does it take for friction sores to go away? ›
Friction blisters typically drain on their own within days. A new layer of skin forms beneath the blister, and eventually the blistered skin peels away. If pressure or friction continues in the same area, the blister may last two weeks or longer.
What does an infected friction blister look like? ›
Blisters are small pockets of clear fluid under a layer of skin. Blood blisters may look red or black and are filled with blood instead of clear fluid. An infected blister can be hot and filled with green or yellow pus. The surrounding skin may look red, but this can be hard to see on brown or black skin.
Your blister may need an antiseptic to prevent infection. Even if you don't have access to an antiseptic, rinse your blister with saline (salty) water or clean running water to cleanse the area. Once this is done, the best course of action is to cover the drained blister with a clean bandage.
How to get rid of a blister overnight without popping it? ›
A few home remedies for blisters include aloe vera, green tea, tea tree oil, petroleum jelly, and coconut oil. You can prevent some types of blisters by wearing proper clothing to protect the skin, wearing sunscreen, and wearing shoes that are not too big or too small.
How do you dry out a friction blister? ›
Your blister needs air to help it dry out, so keep the middle of the bandage slightly raised for airflow. Cushion it. You can also cover your blister with a cushioned adhesive bandage specifically designed for blisters. It can keep out bacteria and reduce pain while your blister heals.
Why is Neosporin no longer recommended? ›
Dermatologists don't like antibiotic ointments
Dermatologists are warning people away from using these ointments to treat small, clean injuries, pointing out that they contain common allergens. Other remedies may effectively treat wounds.
Why does my friction blister hurt so bad? ›
Continued pressure on the blister affects the skin and is quite painful. This continued pressure at the inflammation site leads to minute tears along the skin.
How to heal a blister fast? ›
To treat a blister, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Cover the blister. Loosely cover the blister with a bandage. ...
- Use padding. To protect blisters in pressure areas, such as the bottom of your feet, use padding. ...
- Avoid popping or draining a blister, as this could lead to infection. ...
- Keep the area clean and covered.
Friction blisters typically drain on their own within days. A new layer of skin forms beneath the blister, and eventually the blistered skin peels away. If pressure or friction continues in the same area, the blister may last two weeks or longer.
Can friction burns be serious? ›
Third-degree friction burns are medical emergencies in which all three layers of skin (epidemic, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues) are compromised. The treatment of a friction burn varies by its severity and size. Some can be treated at home, while others require medical treatment and even hospitalization and surgery.
Can friction cause blisters down there? ›
Common Causes of Blisters in the Vulva
One of the most common culprits behind those pesky blisters is friction. Tight clothing, intense physical activities, or even certain sexual positions can lead to irritation and blisters in the vulva area.
How do you know if a friction blister is infected? ›
Signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness, red streaks, heat, and pus drainage. You may also have a fever if your wound is infected. If you notice your blister is getting worse and seems infected, you should make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
