A blister is a small pocket of fluid in the upper skin layers and is one of the body's responses to injury or pressure. The feet are particularly prone to blisters. Ill-fitting shoes or friction can damage the skin, and a blister forms to cushion the area from further damage as it heals. The body gradually absorbs the fluid as the underlying skin recovers. This can take around one week or so. Depending on the cause and location, a blister can range from the size of a pinprick to two centimeters or more in diameter. A blood blister is usually caused by a severe pinch or bruise to the skin that breaks the tiny blood vessels.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a blister include, reddened and tender skin patch, raised lump filled with clear fluid. Sometimes, the lump is filled with blood. A blister is usually the body's attempt to cushion the underlying skin tissues from further damage during the healing process. Some common causes of blisters includes, ill-fitting shoes, friction, scalds or burns, severe sunburn, allergic reaction to irritants, viral skin infection. Blisters rarely need medical attention, unless they are severe, recurrent, caused by burns or indicative of an underlying infection.

Self treatment

One can also treat the blister on them self. One should resist the temptation to burst the blister. It could cause an infection, or hinder your body's healing process. If the blister has busted, one should not peel off the baggy skin pocket ? let your body heal the area in its own way and in its own time. One should frequently wash the area and keep it free from dirt or irritants. If the site of the blister makes it vulnerable to popping, pad it with a soft dressing, securely taped. One should not use the tape alone, as removing the tape may rip the skin off the blister. One should change the dressing daily. Zinc cream also may help to dry up the blister. However, one should not use zinc cream with a dressing. If the blister breaks, one should press it gently to remove the fluid and apply an antiseptic to reduce the risks of infection.

Conclusion

If one becomes aware of a localized hot area on your foot, stop your sport and tape the area immediately. One should apply an appropriate foot sprays or powders to reduce sweating and the risk of fungal infections. One should change the damp socks promptly, as wet socks can drag against the skin. One should also wear a heavy-duty work gloves when using tools such as shovels or picks. Protect yourself against sunburn with clothing, hats and sunscreen lotions. Avoid contact with chemicals that have caused 'allergic' blisters to form. One should be careful when dealing with steam, flames or objects that radiate heat such as electric stovetops.