Friction blister

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Friction blister
Synonyms	Water blister, friction vesicle
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fluid-filled vesicle on the skin, pain, redness
Complications	Infection, ulceration
Onset	Acute
Duration	Days to weeks
Types	N/A
Causes	Friction from rubbing or pressure
Risks	Ill-fitting shoes, repetitive motion, moisture
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Proper footwear, moisture-wicking socks, protective padding
Treatment	Drainage, antibiotic ointment, protective dressing
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with proper care
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Friction Blister 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 hands or feet, where the skin is subjected to persistent rubbing.

Causes

Friction blisters are caused by three conditions: heat, moisture, and friction on the skin. The most common causes include wearing new or poorly fitting shoes, prolonged walking or running, and performing repetitive motions, such as shoveling or raking.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a friction blister is a painful, raised area on the skin filled with fluid. The skin surrounding the blister may be red and swollen.

Treatment

Treatment for friction blisters focuses on relieving pain and preventing infection. This can be achieved by:

• Cleaning the blister with warm water and gentle soap.
• Applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
• Covering the blister with a bandage or gauze pad.
• Avoiding popping or draining the blister, as this can lead to infection.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for friction blisters include:

• Wearing well-fitting shoes and clean, dry socks.
• Using protective pads or bandages in areas prone to friction.
• Taking breaks during repetitive tasks to allow the skin to rest.

See Also

• Skin disorders
• Dermatology
• Wound care

References

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