Blister

The Problem
You have a bump on your skin that is tender to the touch and may be swollen with fluid

Causes of Blisters
Friction. You've been wearing a pair of shoes that don't quite fit, or a repetitive activity has irritated our skin, and now you have a blister. Most blisters are caused by friction - something rubbing against your skin. Self-care is frequently all that is necessary.

Medication. You have started taking a medication within the past couple of days, and now you notice that blisters are forming somewhere - or everywhere - on the body. Sensitivity or allergy to several kinds of medication, including some antibiotics, diuretics, the pain relievers, can cause blisters. Call your nurse information service or doctor and ask whether you need to change medication.

Herpes. You had a tingling or burning before the appearance of watery blisters in the genital area. The blisters fill with pus and become large, painful sores that crust or dry before healing. Herpes simplex is a contagious infection that never leaves once you've been infected.

Self-Care Measures

• If the top of your blister is intact (closed), leave it alone. Cushion it if necessary with a fabric bandage or with adhesive felt or foam.
• If the blister is on your foot, try nonmedicated callus or corn padss to cushion the area, and change your shoes if they don't fit properly
• If your blister is open and not dirty, fold the skin back over it so that your skin protects the sore area. Then bandage it with a fabric bandage or clean gauze pad.
• If your blister is open and dirty, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and then bandage it.

For herpes:

• Wash the infected area twice daily with soap and water; take a hot bath if you can tolerate it.
• Apply ice or ice-cold compresses for 5 - 10 minutes at a time.
• Wear loose cotton clothing
• Avoid stress
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
• Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has sores on the genitals, anus, or tongue, or who complains of genital tingling or irritation. To prevent infecting others, always use a latex condom for all sexual contact.

Prevention
Try to protect your skin from sources of friction
Wear shoes that fit properly. Break in new boots gradually before going on a long hike
Wear heavy gloves for repetitive activities, such as gardening.