What causes blisters?

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Blisters can be caused by cold sores, burns, shingles, and impetigo. Herpes simplex is the most common cause, with 65-95% of adults carrying the virus. Severe burns require medical attention, while shingles and impetigo can be treated with medication.

Some causes of a bunch of blisters are cold sores, burns, and shingles. Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by an extremely common virus called herpes simplex. Severe burns can also cause a bunch of blisters and often require the expertise of a health professional. Also, shingles is a virus very similar to chicken pox that is capable of producing blisters. Impetigo, a common skin infection in babies, is also responsible for some clusters of blisters.

The herpes simplex virus affects most people and is the most likely cause of a group of blisters in adults. Studies estimate that anywhere from 65% to 95% of adults have the virus, with a good proportion of children contracting it by age five. The virus spreads when people come into contact with open blisters or objects contaminated with blister fluid. It’s also possible for a person to have the virus, show no symptoms, and spread it to other people by kissing. Many people aren’t even aware they have the virus because the symptoms are so mild.

A cluster of blisters can also be caused by second-degree burns. First-degree burns are the least severe and usually don’t blister. With third-degree burns, there may not be enough skin left for blisters. Second-degree burns are quite common and can be caused by hot water, hitting a hot oven grate, or brief contact with fire. Large second-degree burns or burns on certain areas of the body, such as the genitals, face, and hands, should be treated as third-degree burns with the injured person seeking professional medical attention as soon as possible.

Shingles is a virus similar to chickenpox but mainly affecting the elderly. Looks like chicken pox. It starts as a rash but progresses to blisters. One major difference between chickenpox and shingles is the location of the blisters. Chickenpox appears all over the body, usually with scattered blisters, which only cluster together by chance. Shingles most often appears on only one side of the body, and the blisters are always grouped together because they result from a rash.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by the bacteria responsible for sore throats. This bacterium is normally present on the skin and enters the body through bites, scratches and other injuries. Impetigo rarely occurs in more than a few patches and is usually harmless. However, some children may experience complications such as kidney failure and permanent scarring. Impetigo can be treated with antibiotic creams or, in severe cases, antibiotic pills.




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