What Causes Blisters on Feet?
Blisters generally result in areas of damaged skin to buffer and safeguard them from further harm and injury. In most cases, blisters develop in the outermost layer of the thick skin. The human body has the thickest skin in the extremities, i.e., the hands and feet. Friction or certain pressure against the skin tissue is the most common attribute for blisters to develop on the feet. However, any injury or harm resulting in blood vessel damage to the epidermis layer of the skin can cause a blister. The potential causes of blisters on feet include the following.
Friction:
Friction refers to forceful skin rubbing with the other skin surface or material. Friction blisters result from recurrent rubbing of skin against the skin, show, socks, and rough surfaces. This results in irritation and inflammation, causing pain, redness, and swelling. A combination of friction and pressure is attributable to the development of most blisters in the feet.
Sunburn:
Exposure to greater degrees of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can be associated with skin problems, from blisters to skin cancer. Sunburn results from excessive exposure to UV radiation. This can occur in any body parts, including the hands and feet. The top part of the feet usually gets sunburned. Sunburn blisters can be more painful.
Increased Foot Moisture:
Moisture is essential for any skin health. However, excess moisture in feet can result in clogging of pores. This, in turn, can result in blister formation in the feet or between the toes. Moisture buildup is also a common factor in the formation of blisters. Athletes and sports people are more likely to have this blister due to the sweat accumulation in their socks.
Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by itchy and scaly patches with redness in the skin. Psoriasis is more likely to occur in the torso, scalp, elbows, and knees. However, hands and feet are also prone to this disease. Small blisters form as fluid accumulates underneath the skin in psoriasis.
Insect Bites:
Insect bites can cause various skin concerns, including rashes, redness, swelling, pain, itchiness, and blisters. Vigorous insects like spiders, fire ants, and ticks induce tiny and painful blisters at the wound site.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
Allergic contact dermatitis is a kind of rash that results in power who gets in touch with the allergy-inducing particles known as the allergen. For example, latex allergy can induce allergic rashes when one wears accessories made of latex rubber. The allergic rashes could develop in a few minutes to hours after exposure. It can even last for about weeks for several people. Allergic contact dermatitis can be associated with forming small and painless blisters.
Freezing:
Freezing climate or extreme cold can lead to frostbite. Frostbite is an injury that causes freezing
and killing of the cells in the skin. As a response, blisters develop to maintain the heat in the body.
Medical Conditions:
Certain medical conditions can weaken the epidermis layer, making it more fragile and vulnerable to blisters.
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Eczema.
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Chickenpox.
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Diabetic neuropathy.
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Being obese.
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Under blood thinner medications.
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Autoimmune skin conditions.
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Taking antibiotic treatment.
Blood Vessel Rupture:
Sometimes, the tiny blood vessels called the capillaries in the epidermis skin layer can break, causing blood leakage into the inner tissue layers. This can cause blister formation as the skin gets crumpled.
What Are the Risk Factors for Feet Blisters?
A range of risk factors are attributed to the formation of blisters in the feet. One should consider the following determinants and refrain from them:
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Humid and damp settings.
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Warm weather.
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Excessive sweating.
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Poor-fitting footwear and socks.
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Dry skin.
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Aged people.
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Foot abnormalities.
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Orthopedic and some inserts.
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Sport and field activities.
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Wet socks and footwear.
What Are the Treatment Strategies for Blisters on the Feet?
The blisters usually heal within a few days or get relieved with rudimentary home care. So, it is better to leave the blisters free and intact. The clear fluid and blood blisters are to be allowed unbroken. They are considered the natural defensive mechanism, aiding in pressure reduction and tissue protection. Blisters also aid in enclosing the deteriorated tissue, preventing the access of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes. The first-aid measures for the blisters in the feet include:
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One must not put pressure on the blisters abruptly.
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If the blisters are broken or drained, gently wash the area with a mild agent and water.
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Then, cover the skin with sterile, dry, and air-free dressing.
It is crucial to stop exposure to allergens or irritants, such as allergy-based blisters and chemical rashes. The person must thoroughly wash the area and seek professional care. The additional strategies for the relief of blisters are listed below:
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Ice pack application.
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Blister bandages.
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Antibiotic ointment and creams.
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Over-the-counter medication cream for inflammation and pain.
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Inclining the foot above the limit can reduce blood circulation to the feet and reduce inflammation.
When to Seek Professional Help?
Blisters can heal on their own in most cases. One can treat it with basic care unless it has resulted from a chemical or allergen. However, it is crucial to seek professional help if the blisters worsen and turn discolored, intensely inflamed, and do not heal even after a few days. Blisters occurring with abnormal discoloration like purple, green, and yellow require medical care since they can be a sign of serious underlying medical diseases, particularly the viral infection called herpes.
The doctors might take a small sample of the blister for testing to determine the appropriate cause of the problem. They also prescribe oral and topical antibiotics for both treatment and prevention.
Conclusion
Blisters on the feet generally form due to friction, pressure, or irritation. Cold climate, insect bites, sunburn, and underlying medical conditions also contribute to the formation of clear and bloody blisters on the feet. To prevent such a problem, take the appropriate footwear, moisture control, and protective measures. Nevertheless, one must seek professional help and get the appropriate care when the condition is really serious.
