How Does a Water Blister Develop?
A water blister is a fluid filled sac that develops when there is an injury of some kind to the skin's outer layer. It forms under the skin's surface and the fluid acts as a protective barrier for the new skin growing underneath keeping bacteria out and reducing the chance of infection. The body gradually reabsorbs the fluid in three to seven days. Although most commonly found on the feet, a water blister can develop on the hands, torso, legs, arms or face depending on the type of injury that caused the blister.
A water blister most often develops when there has been damage or injury to the skin's outer layer. The most common causes of a water blister is friction from ill-fitting shoes causing a blister to form on the feet where the shoe was rubbing.The outer layer of the skin becomes irritated from the continuous rubbing and becomes red and sore. Fluid begins to form in a sac underneath the outer layer of skin that was damaged. This sac grows in size until it reaches approximately 1 to 4 millimeters developing into a water blister. Other causes include allergies to substances or chemicals that come in contact with the skin, sunburns, scalds or burns, insect bites or stings, and viral or fungal infection of the skin.
It is best to treat a water blister that develops by letting it heal on its own. Do not pop the blister which can lead to infection. You should keep the blister clean. Use an antibacterial ointment and cover loosely with a cotton dressing. If the blister breaks open, wash gently with mild soap and warm water and cover with a bandage. Try not to disturb the new skin underneath it. Contact your doctor if there is redness or soreness around the site of the blister.
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