A blister is a bump on the skin that is filled with water or blood. A blister is usually circular shaped and may look like bubbles on the skin.

How blisters form

Blisters form as a result of injury or when something rubs against the skin. When the skin is injured fluid drains from surrounding tissue in order to protect the afflicted area from infection. As new skin forms, the blister dries up and eventually falls off.

Common causes of blisters.

· Burns

A burn blister usually forms as a result of dry heat or a scald from a hot liquid. The blister is the body’s natural way of preventing infection of the burnt area. Burn blisters look very unattractive especially when they cover a large area and become filled with fluid. It should however be left alone to heal naturally to minimize the chances of infection.

· Sunburn

Sunburn blisters are small fluid-filled lumps that form on the skin after a child has been exposed to very hot sun for a long period of time. The skin around the blisters may be inflamed and is very painful to the touch. Sunburn blisters may heal within 48 hours but the affected area may still retain a darker shade compared to the rest of the body.

· Friction
When a child wears ill-fitting shoes, they may end up getting blisters on the feet. They may also get blisters from frequent thumb sucking.

· Some drugs also increase the chances of children getting sunburn blisters as they increase the body’s sensitivity to the sun’s rays.

· Diseases such as chickenpox and viruses such as herpes simplex.

· Fungal infections such as athletes’ foot.

Cleaning and care

Blisters that result from irritation will go away on their own after a few days. Those that have been caused by diseases and infections usually take much longer to heal.

Some common care practices include:

· Not popping it. In most cases, blisters will usually go away on their own. As tempting as it seems, do not try to pop a blister on any part of your child’s body. The blister protects the skin underneath and popping it could result in an infection. Your child’s pediatrician may also break and drain a blister should it be large and painful.

· Cleaning the area with water and soap to remove any dirt particles and finally pat the area dry.

· Should the blister burst, allow the fluid to drain out on its own. After, you can use sterile gauze or bandage to protect it.

· If the blister is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, your pediatrician will prescribe medicine to treat it.

The best advice when it comes to dealing with blisters on your child is to leave them alone. You should however watch out for any deterioration signs or symptoms of infection such as inflammation and formation of pus. Call your pediatrician immediately should you notice anything off such as a fever or your child feeling unwell.