Quck answer
Blisters are small, fluid-filled bumps that form on the skin. They are typically caused by friction, burns, or infections. When the skin is repeatedly rubbed or irritated, the top layer of skin separates from the underlying layers, forming a pocket filled with fluid. This fluid acts as a cushion to protect the underlying layers of skin. Blisters can also occur from burns, such as from hot surfaces or liquids. Infections, such as herpes or chickenpox, can also cause blisters to form. Blisters are the body’s way of protecting and healing the skin, and they usually heal on their own within a few days.
Remember those new shoes you got for school? Or those new running shoes you bought for track? Or those new soccer cleats you just had to have before the new season started?
There’s nothing quite like a fresh new pair of kicks to make you feel your best. You put on the shoes and confidently show off at school, on the track, or on the field. However, by the end of the day or after practice, your feet might start to hurt.
Actually, you might have a painful area around your ankle that burns and is sensitive to touch. What’s happening here? It’s likely that those new shoes have given you a blister!
A blister is a skin condition where friction between two surfaces causes an area of skin to become raised with a watery liquid just beneath the skin. They are essentially fluid-filled bumps that resemble bubbles.
Blisters are most commonly found on the hands and feet. Rubbing and pressure from new shoes or shoes that are too tight often result in blisters on the toes and ankles.
You can also get blisters on your hands if you repeatedly work with a tool. For example, if you rake leaves in your yard, you might develop a blister on your hand from the repeated rubbing of the rake handle against your skin in the same spot.
Most blisters heal on their own, but they can become infected if you’re not careful. If you get a blister, follow the suggestions in the Try It Out section and make sure to inform an adult, so you can determine if you need to see a doctor.
The best way to deal with blisters is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. If you will be doing repetitive work with a tool, such as a hammer or a shovel, wear gloves to protect your hands from the repeated rubbing that causes blisters.
As for your feet, make sure to buy shoes that are the right size. When you have new shoes, break them in gradually. Wear them for some time and then switch back to an older pair. Over time, your feet will adjust and you can avoid getting those painful blisters!
Try It Out
Yikes! We hope today’s Wonder of the Day didn’t bother you! Keep exploring by trying one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Can blisters sometimes have a positive outcome? Perhaps… especially when they don’t appear on your skin! Ingenious scientists applied the concept of a blister using modern technology to create a unique type of protective packaging called Blister Packaging. How amazing is that? Watch the video to see examples of medicine being packaged in blister packaging.
- Blisters often occur as a result of specific skin allergies and irritations, such as chickenpox and poison ivy. Take a look back at a previous Wonder of the Day, “What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?”, to learn more about poison ivy, including how to recognize and avoid it. If you succeed, you’ll prevent some painful blisters in the future!
- So you have a blister. What should you do now? Do you need to see a doctor? Probably not! However, it’s a good idea to consult with an adult just to be sure. Here are some ways you can treat a blister at home. Before you know it, you’ll be fully recovered and back in action!
- Small blisters will generally heal on their own without any intervention. But whenever you get a blister, make sure to refrain from the activity that caused it until it has healed.
- Keep blisters uncovered unless they are in an area where they will be further rubbed and irritated. In that case, cover them with a loose bandage.
- If you have a larger blister that needs to be drained for proper healing, seek assistance from an adult. Never touch a blister without first washing your hands with soap and water. Also, never remove the skin from a blister unless it is becoming infected. If that occurs, you might consider seeing a doctor or using an antibiotic topical cream to treat the infection.
Leave a Reply