How Does a Blister Form?

The Way Blisters are Formed

Blisters are usually formed when one area of the skin repeatedly rubs against something, causing friction. This builds up heat in that spot to the point where the heat causes the layers of the skin to separate. Fluid fills the space that is created. The skin beneath the bubble of fluid will be bright red and inflamed.

Keep the Blister Intact

If the blister remains intact, infection won't occur because the fluid, called serum, inside the blister is sterile. So in order to prevent worsening of the problem, it is best to simply not break the blister and allow it to heal on its own. If it has already broken, apply an antibiotic ointment, and bandage the area as soon as you can.

As the Blister Heals

Several days after the injury, the skin beneath the blister will toughen up and prevent further damage should the blister break. Also, the bubble of fluid over the injured area keeps the blister from hurting so much, which it will begin to do immediately after the bubble bursts. Sometimes you can't help but break the blister. They can break by accident too, in which case you should immediately clean the wound as well as possible.

Resources

• Blister - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia