Blister

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For the packaging type, see Blister pack.

**Blister**
*Classification & external resources*
ICD-10	T14.0
ICD-9	910-914, 940.0-949.5

A blister caused by 2nd degree burns

A blister or bulla is a defense mechanism of the human body. When the outer (epidermis) layer of the skin separates from the fibre layer (dermis), a pool of lymph and other bodily fluids collect between these layers while the skin re-grows from underneath. Blisters can be caused by chemical or physical injury. An example of chemical injury would be an allergic reaction. Physical injury can be caused by heat, frostbite, or friction.

1 Treatment
2 Variations
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Treatment

Unless infection occurs, blisters usually heal quickly without additional treatment. If a blister is punctured, it forms an open wound so it is a good idea to bandage it when one is working around unsanitary conditions. If the blister has 'popped,' the excess skin should not be removed, unless it is dirty or torn. Removing the excess skin often makes the wound more prone to further infection (Kaiser Permanente, 2001). As with all wounds, it is a good idea to keep blisters clean.

[edit] Variations

If a blister is associated with sub-dermal bleeding it will partially fill with blood, forming a blood blister. Certain autoimmune diseases feature extensive blistering as one of their symptoms. These include pemphigus and pemphigoid. Blistering also occurs as part of foodborne illness with Vibrio vulnificus (seafood). The class of chemical weapons known as vesicants acts by causing blisters (often within the respiratory tract). Mustard gas and lewisite are examples of such agents.