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- For the packaging type, see Blister pack.
Blister
Classifications and 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. It consists of a pool of lymph and other bodily fluids beneath the upper layers of the skin. It may be formed in response to burns or friction, and helps to repair damage to the skin. If a blister is punctured, it forms an open wound. One should not bandage it for long periods of time as it disallows the flow of oxygen to the wound, which it needs to dry out and heal;[citation needed] keeping it moist will only make it be painful for longer, however, it is a a good idea to bandage it when one is working around unsanitary conditions. If one leaves it unbandaged at night while sleeping it will be better able to heal. Also, after the blister has 'popped,' you should not remove the excess skin, 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; the body is remarkable in its ability to heal, but applying polysporin to the area will speed up the process.
If a blister is associated with sub-dermal bleeding, it may partially fill with blood, forming an unpleasant blood blister.
Blistering is a distinguishing characteristic of second degree burns.
Certain autoimmune diseases feature extensive blistering. 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.
[edit] See also
- Buboe
- Dracunculiasis
- Herpangina
- Herpes zoster
- Ulcer
[edit] External links
