Blister (Adult)
A blister is a raised area of skin with fluid inside. Often the fluid is clear, but sometimes it's bloody. A blister can occur when the skin is damaged. Blisters can hurt when they are pressed, or if they break open.
Blisters can be caused in many ways. This can happen if the skin is rubbed too hard or often. Or they can occur if the skin is hurt by a burn, an allergen, such as poison ivy, the sun, an infection, or even a medicine. Some skin diseases can also cause blisters.
Most blisters need little treatment. They often dry up and go away in a few days to weeks after the cause is stopped. A blister may need to be cleaned. A broken (open) blister may be bandaged to prevent infection. Blisters caused by insect bites or medicine reactions may be more serious. These should be looked at by a health care provider.
Home care
Your provider may prescribe pain medicine. They may also prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment to treat or prevent infection, or a steroid cream to decrease inflammation. Follow all instructions when using these medicines.
General care
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Follow all instructions on how to care for the blister. If a bandage was put on, change the bandage as instructed.
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If the blister breaks, the area will leak a clear or sometimes a bloody fluid for 1 or 2 days. Wash the area with soap and water every day or as advised by your provider. Don't remove the "roof" of the blister. This part protects the raw skin as it heals.
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You may use over-the-counter pain medicines to control pain, unless another medicine was prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk with your provider before using these medicines. Also talk with your provider if you've had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your provider, or as advised.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your provider right away if:
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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The redness or swelling is new or gets worse.
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Bad-smelling fluid leaks from the blister.
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The pain doesn’t go away, or gets worse.
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The blister gets bigger.
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The blister doesn’t get better after several days.
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New blisters appear.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Michael Lehrer MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed:
2/1/2025
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