Why do blisters fill with liquid

It leaks in from neighboring tissues as a reaction to injured skin. If the blister remains unopened, serum can provide natural protection for the skin beneath it.

Small blisters are called vesicles. Those larger than half an inch are called bullae. A blood blister is filled with blood, rather than serum. If the cause of your blisters is not obvious, your doctor will ask about your family history and your personal medical history, including any allergies you have and any medications you take, including over-the-counter medications. You also will be asked about any recent exposure to irritating chemicals or allergens.

To continue reading this article, you must log in. Already a member? Login ». Although the name sounds like something from a horror movie, blood blisters aren't anything to worry about either.

Prystowsky says, "If you have a blood blister then, as expected, you will have blood in your blister. It's important to avoid bursting the blister, because this could lead to an infection or slow down the healing process. Instead, allow the fluid inside the blister to drain and cover the area with a dry, sterile dressing to protect it from infection until it heals," the NHS recommends.

But, what if your blister isn't clear or straw colored, or contains something other than blood? Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation. It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. Blisters will usually heal on their own with the skin over the blister helping to keep out infection while new skin is formed underneath and the fluid is absorbed. If your blister is large, painful, or likely to be aggravated and pop on its own, you might consider draining it. To properly drain the fluid while leaving the top skin in place for shielding, there are specific steps you should take.

These include:. If a blister grows, becomes painful, or seems likely to be irritated, you might consider draining it using proper sterilization steps and bandaging the open wound.

There are steps you can take to prevent blisters, including shoe, sock, and clothing choices. Vesicles are small, fluid-filled sacs that can appear on your skin. The fluid inside these vesicles may be clear, white, yellow, or mixed with blood…. A bulla is a fluid-filled sac or lesion that appears when fluid is trapped under a thin layer of your skin.

It's a type of blister.