Friction blisters, caused by repeated pressure or rubbing, are commonly found on the feet and hands. They can be prevented by reducing friction and can heal on their own within a week if kept clean and not drained. Puncturing the blister can increase the risk of infection.
A blister is a swollen area often filled with clear fluid that can develop on the topmost layer of skin. These types of tiny pockets can be caused by exposure to extreme temperatures, chemicals, or infection, but the most common source tends to be repeated pressure or rubbing that results in a friction blister. Although chafing blisters can be painful and prone to infection if not treated properly, they can be prevented by taking steps to add a barrier around the skin in order to reduce friction.
A friction blister develops after repeated pressing or rubbing against an area of skin begins to cause irritation to the top layer of skin. The skin forms a pocket of clear liquid above the skin as a protective mechanism to prevent further irritation as new skin forms beneath it. As the skin heals, the blister begins to slowly dry out. The first symptoms of rub blisters include pain, swelling, and redness, until eventually the clear fluid sac forms.
There are a variety of possible situations that can cause a friction bubble to form. These types of blisters tend to develop most often on the feet and hands, two parts of the body that are often the most prone to engaging in activities that involve friction. Poorly fitting shoes are one of the most common causes of friction blisters on the feet, both from excessive pressure from shoes that are too tight and shoes that are too loose causing the shoe to repeatedly move over areas of the foot when walking . If blisters occur on the hands, it’s generally the result of gripping an object or repeating a movement numerous times, such as a carpenter or bricklayer holding and using tools. Athletes, such as baseball players or golfers, are also often at increased risk for friction blisters on their hands due to the tight grip of their athletic gear.
A friction blister generally heals on its own and requires no treatment if care is taken to prevent further friction, such as wearing socks and shoes suitable for foot blisters, or bandaging or wearing protective gloves over blistered areas when performing activities with the hands . Keeping the blister clean and not draining the fluid can also help it heal, usually within a week. If the blister is punctured to remove the liquid, there may be an increased risk of getting the infection. Signs of infection include green or yellow fluid, itching or increased swelling or redness, and fever. The infection typically requires medical attention to prevent further complications.
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