Overview of chronic blisters

Posted under General Health by Don

We may start by defining a blister as simply as a self defense mechanism in our body following of excess exertion of pressure or friction on the skin area. When this friction exceed the maximum force or the pressure that our skin can hold and maintain, the outermost skin known as the epidermis that will automatically separate itself from the second layer known as the dermis and when this exertion of friction continues a clear liquid called the serum that will collect in this gap. Serum is a component of blood remains after it has clotted and the red blood cells have been removed. It surrounds the affected area cushioning it and protecting the underneath tissues from further reaction and damage.

Pus may start forming after when the area is now infected. This is when blood vessels which very tiny near the skin surface busts and the blood seep into the torn skin layers and results are a very severe chronic blister which has already formed after the sub-dermal bleeding. When the skin is crushed, pinched hard or tightly squeezed, blisters may be formed. Others are as a result of too much pressure from wearing of very tight outfit or very tight footwear. Excess friction while doing manual work with our hands without protective gears may be strenuous and also can lead to contraction of the blisters. Apart from those causes, medical conditions like chicken pox and herpes are known to cause fatal blisters on the affected skin area.

Symptoms
They usually start forming as a swelling on the skin area. Some may be painless depending on the degree of what is causing it , while other are extremely painful and cannot contain anymore more external pressure due to the sensitivity around the affected area. Depending on the initial cause, some blister may form singly or in a series of clusters. Dark colored blisters are more painful than other types of blisters. The infected blister will have to contain some green or yellow pus in it. Others like blood type blisters are very painful even to touch the affected area will cause severe pains. The skin on top of the affected area will dry and shed off a process that will take 3-7 days.

Diagnosis and Prevention measures
Diagnosis will be based on the family and family background where the doctor will need details about if this problem is within the family member and if so it is seen to be a hereditary problem, passed. If there are medications you are, having this is important details and the case of any allergy problems must be reported to determine the proper steps and medication to be prescribed. Medical related conditions are not easy to prevent but the one arising from skin irritation are easily prevented by avoiding anything leading to the skin irritation may it be extreme heat or cold and so forth.

Easily prevented
As much as possible, minimize friction. If possible, apply talcum powder or petroleum jelly on blister-prone areas in order to reduce friction. Wear the appropriate socks, footwear, and other protective gear if needed. Blisters are more likely to develop on moist and warm areas, so make sure that you keep your hands and feet dry. Wear protective gears when doing strenuous works and avoid too much friction as much as possible. Avoid exposure of chemical irritants.