Small blisters face
Common Causes & Treatment Options
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Whether your shoes are too tight or you touched a hot stove, the result is all too familiar: a painful pocket of skin that's filled with fluid. A single blister like that is usually easy to treat at home, but if you see signs of infection, it's time to call your doctor.
What Causes Blisters?
Friction. You can get blisters when something rubs against your skin, like a tool handle or a new pair of shoes. Unlike corns and calluses, which show up after rubbing that's gone on for a long time, friction blisters come from brief, intense contact on a small area.
Burns. You can get a blister from getting too close to a flame or steam, or if you touch a hot surface. A severe sunburn can also cause blisters.
Cold. An extremely low temperature on your skin can cause blisters. For example, you might get one if your doctor freezes off a wart.
Irritants or allergy triggers. Your skin may blister if you come in contact with certain chemicals, cosmetics, and many plant allergens. You may hear your doctor call this problem irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.
Drug reactions. Sometimes your blisters may be a reaction to a drug you take. When your doctor prescribes a new medicine, always let them know about any drug reactions you've had in the past. And call your doctor if you get a blister after taking a medication.
Autoimmune diseases. Three diseases that curb your immune system -- your body's defense against germs -- can cause blisters:
- Pemphigus vulgaris, a possibly life-threatening skin disease, causes painful blisters in the mouth or skin. They become raw and crusted over after they burst.
- Bullous pemphigoid causes less severe blisters that heal faster and are not life-threatening. It mostly happens in elderly people.
- Dermatitis herpetiformis causes small, itchy blisters.
It's a long-term condition that usually starts when you're a young adult. It's linked to gluten sensitivity.
Infection. Blisters are a common symptom of conditions like chickenpox, cold sores, shingles, and a skin infection called impetigo.
Genes.There are rare genetic diseases that cause the skin to be fragile and to blister.
How to Treat Your Blisters
If you leave your blister alone, it often gets better in 1 or 2 weeks. While it's healing, stay away from the activity that brought on the blister.
Some steps you can take to help the healing process:
Put on a loose bandage. It protects your blister while it heals.
Keep it padded. If your blister rubs up against your shoe, you can stop it from getting worse by using padding underneath the bandage.
Usually, there's no need to drain your blister, but you may want to if it's large and hurts a lot. If you decide to do it, use a small needle that you've sterilized with rubbing alcohol.
Then pierce the edge of the blister. Afterward, wash the spot with soap and water and cover with petroleum jelly.
When to Call Your Doctor
Be on the lookout for signs that your blister is infected. Call your doctor if it gets more painful or you notice:
- Pus leaking out
- Swelling
- Redness
Vesicles: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Vesicles are small fluid filled sacs or blisters that can appear on your skin. Blisters can be a symptom of a medical issue or a sign of tissue injury. Some conditions are minor, like contact dermatitis or cold sores, and don’t require medical attention.
Vesicles are small fluid-filled sacs or blisters that can appear on your skin. The fluid inside these sacs may be clear, white, yellow, or mixed with blood.
Vesicles are fluid-filled lesions less than 5 mm (1/2 cm). If the fluid-filled lesion is greater than 0.5 mm, it’s called a bulla. Blisters are either vesicles or bulla, depending on the size.
Blisters can be a symptom of a medical issue or a sign of tissue injury.
In anatomy, vesicles may refer to any pouch-like structure in the body. The function of these types of vesicles is to store and transport materials and waste.
Vesicles develop when fluid becomes trapped under the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. A number of different health conditions can cause them. Some of these conditions are minor, like contact dermatitis or cold sores, and don’t require medical attention.
But other causes are more serious and can signal a complicated medical issue that needs ongoing treatment. These issues may include bacterial or viral infection, autoimmune disease, and a sensitivity or allergy to medication, among others.
Causes of acute (short-lasting) vesicles on the skin include:
- papular urticaria, a reaction from insect bites or stings
- dermatitis or eczema
- contact dermatitis, like from poison ivy or poison oak or reactions from skincare products
- burns, like from radiation, sun, or chemicals
- a reaction to medication, like a fixed drug eruption or drug hypersensitivity syndrome
- bacterial infections, like impetigo, a skin condition caused by infection with strep or staph bacteria
- viral infections, like chickenpox, shingles, or hand, foot, and mouth disease
- trauma to the skin
- herpes or cold sores
Causes of chronic blistering rashes include:
- autoimmune disorders, like bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus vulgaris
- skin diseases that cause blistering, like porphyria cutanea tarda
- other rare immunobullous diseases can cause a blister-like rash
If you experience unexplained blistering rashes, acute or chronic, it’s best to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Vesicles caused by burns, infections, and reactions to medication can be serious and should be treated by a doctor.
If you experience blistering of the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, or vagina, this may be a sign of a potentially life-threatening reaction to a drug. Seek emergency medical care.
Doctors can recognize vesicles based on their bubble-like appearance. Most develop on the surface of the skin and cause it to swell with fluid. The skin around a vesicle keeps the fluid contained.
Some blister-like lesions can rupture easily. This causes fluid to leak from the blister. When the fluid dries, it may turn yellow or crusty.
Symptoms that may occur with a blistering rash include:
- itching
- tenderness
- warmth at the affected skin
- pain
- possible oozing
The following symptoms may occur with blistering rashes:
- fever
- chills
- swollen lymph nodes
- joint pain
- muscle weakness or muscle ache
Vesicles or blisters can occur with a rash, known as a vesicular rash.
Some common vesicular rashes include:
- Heat rash: Heat rashes tend to occur in hot, humid, or tropic climates. It’s caused by blockage and swelling of the sweat ducts and is usually found on the torso.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause rashes along with superficial vesicles or bullae.
- Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a common cause of vesicular rash can occur after exposure to an allergen or irritant. You may develop this type of rash from poison oak or poison ivy or from touching something you might be allergic to, like substances in soap, perfume, or jewelry.
Vesicular rashes may spread quickly. In the case of viral and bacterial infections, keep the rash clean to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
You should make an appointment with a doctor if you develop unexplained vesicles on your skin. If you don’t already have a doctor, try the Healthline FindCare tool to see the options available in your area.
During the visit, they’ll ask you about your recent health history and about any medical conditions that might be related to the vesicles, like other symptoms including fever, chills, itching, or pain.
They may also ask if you’ve traveled recently or had possible contact with poison ivy or sumac. They might also want to know if you’ve started any new medications or had changes made to existing ones. Finally, they may ask if you have any family history or personal history of autoimmune diseases.
They’ll also examine your skin. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your vesicles based on this information alone.
If your doctor is uncertain about a diagnosis, they may recommend more tests. They may also take a sample of fluid or a biopsy of the skin tissue from the vesicle to send to a lab. The analysis of the sample will help them to confirm a diagnosis.
Talk with a doctor about the best treatment options to reduce your symptoms.
Treatment for your vesicles depends on the cause.
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies may be enough to treat vesicles resulting from an allergic reaction, dermatitis, poison ivy, or cold sores. Many of these remedies are topical ointments that can soothe the skin. Antihistamines may be able to reduce allergy-related symptoms.
Vesicles can be accompanied by other serious symptoms, like inflammation or infection. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the underlying causes.
For example, bullous pemphigoid — a type of autoimmune disorder that affects older adults — is typically treated with oral steroids to help reduce inflammation and possibly immunosuppressants or monoclonal antibodies.
Bacterial infections are typically treated with oral antibiotics so as not to aggravate the vesicles.
Vesicles caused by eczema are often treated with topical medications, including topical steroids and glucocorticoids.
Burn blisters will be treated with prescription burn creams. You may also be prescribed oral antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection.
Home treatments, including alternative remedies can often be effective for treating vesicles or blisters.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should care for an open or torn blister by washing the area with soap and water and then applying petroleum jelly. You can also use an OTC antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. Cover the area with a clean, loose bandage to protect it.
Popping a vesicle isn’t typically advised. This can leave the area open to infection and make it take longer to heal. Unless the vesicle becomes large and exceptionally painful, leaving it alone is best. Most blisters heal on their own in 1 to 2 weeks.
Your outlook depends on the underlying cause. If your vesicles are caused by an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis, you’ll typically make a full recovery after treatment.
More serious cases of vesicles can be a result of your genetics or an infection with a virus, so the vesicles may reoccur throughout your life.
Proper treatment may relieve your symptoms. But if you have a chronic condition, the vesicles are likely to return.
If you know you have allergies, you can help prevent vesicles by avoiding allergy triggers.
Herpes and cold sores are contagious, so you should also take care not to share cups, straws, or lip products. This precaution may also help prevent you from catching other viral illnesses.
Try not to wear tight-fitting clothing that rubs uncomfortably on the skin, especially in hot or damp weather. Opt for clothing that breathes, like cotton. You should wear proper attire for sports or physical activity, like socks with extra padding, to prevent friction. Moisture-wicking clothing can also be helpful. If you experience pain or redness, stop the activity.
Keep your skin clean, maintain good hygiene, and avoid irritants that could aggravate your skin. Using unscented products can help prevent rashes, as those with scents can irritate sensitive skin more.
Antibacterial soaps can help prevent infections from causing vesicles (and vesicles from becoming infected).
Shower immediately after working out or coming into contact with a potential skin irritant.
In some instances, it may not be possible to prevent vesicles.
Most vesicles, blisters, and bullae can be treated with OTC treatments and home remedies. But in some cases, it’s a good idea to call your doctor.
See your doctor if…
- you’re experiencing signs of an infection, including swelling, increased redness, streaks from the vesicle, and warmth at the site of the vesicle
- you’re getting vesicles or blisters often or have a large number of blisters and don’t know why
- you have a band of painful vesicles on one side of your body or face, which could indicate shingles
- you have diabetes and get vesicles or blisters on your hands, feet, or legs
- you have fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes, which can be a sign of a life-threatening allergy to medication
- you have any rash spread across your body with blisters in the mouth or eyes
If you experience a rapid spread of vesicles, especially with a rash, and symptoms like shortness of breath, pain, or dizziness, you may be having an allergic reaction to medications.
In these cases, you should seek immediate medical attention.
causes and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
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Beautiful clear skin of the face is not accidentally considered one of the indicators of health. Any tangible changes in the work of organs and systems affect its condition. Often - persistent rash. Cosmetic preparations are powerless in solving an external problem, since it is only a symptom.
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A rash on the face is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands. They secrete a special secret - sebum. Ideally, this is a balanced mixture of various substances produced by the body - fatty acids, steroids, cholesterol, epithelial particles. Such a “lubrication” protects the skin surface from harmful bacteria, serves as an ideal nutrient microflora for it.
Deterioration in the work of organs provokes a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the secret, contributes to the violation of its outflow. Sebum from a protector of the skin becomes a focus of infection.
And on the face there is the largest number of sebaceous glands (up to 900 in one square centimeter). The largest of them are located in the area of the forehead, chin, cheeks, wings of the nose, nasolabial folds. Not surprisingly, the rash also "loves" these areas.
A dermatologist's recommendations for effective treatment will definitely include a referral to a gastroenterologist. In some cases, the help of a ENT or endocrinologist is also necessary. But the restoration of the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is the first condition for eliminating the rash.
What kind of internal problems of the body can a rash on the face tell about? One of the reasons may be incomplete absorption of food. This leads to the release of toxins.
Thus, the desire to eliminate a visible defect helps to solve much more dangerous and unpleasant problems.
Methods for the treatment of rashes on the face
Modern gastroenterology has an extensive set of means to eliminate the causes of rashes. In each case, accurate diagnosis and treatment is carried out according to individual indications and may include various methods:
- microbiological examination;
- Ultrasound of internal organs;
- diet therapy;
- drug treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- herbal medicine and others.
Our center is uniquely positioned to address any gastroenterological problem. Applications are accepted around the clock. We are ready to provide professional assistance as soon as possible.
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Category "Gastroenterology"
Endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract are very informative. With the help of devices equipped with video cameras, doctors can thoroughly examine the organs of the gastrointestinal tract from the inside, which greatly increases the effectiveness of the prevention and treatment of diseases.
Gastroenterologist, hepatologist, doctor of medical sciences Sergey Yuryevich Yermolov assures us that eating in restaurants is normal and even healthy. We are used to hearing other advice - cook your own food at home, control food, do not abuse catering. This is all true. But having lunch or dinner in a good restaurant, observing the measure, is not at all harmful.
The New Year is coming.
The holiday is fun and delicious. But in order not to go straight to the hospital from the table, doctors recommend checking the digestive system in advance. Why - explains the gastroenterologist, doctor of functional diagnostics, head of the therapy department of the EMS clinic Alexey Nikolaevich Karlin.
Perhaps there is no person who does not know what to take for a cold or headache. Everyone has their "proven means". Yes, and advertising suggests solutions for any ailment.
You can also ask for advice from friends, a pharmacist at a pharmacy or simply on the Internet. But is everything so simple and convenient? For what diseases can self-treatment be dangerous?
EMS also has a pharmacy, and our pharmacists regularly encounter requests from patients for advice on medicines, and doctors then deal with the results of self-treatment.
Blisters on the body of a child
Having found blisters in a child, the parent should pay attention to this symptom.
It is very important to find out its cause, otherwise it will not be possible to eliminate the rash. In addition, a rash is not always a harmless symptom. In some cases, it indicates a disease that requires medical attention. Large or small blisters in a child can occur for completely different reasons, which can be suspected by the place of occurrence and the nature of the rash.
What are blisters and their features
In most cases, blisters in a child do not linger for a long time, due to their structure. These are cavityless formations that are the result of acute inflammation of the surface layer of the skin. Almost always, the child itches because of the blisters, they give him severe discomfort. Most often, the bubbles are round, but sometimes there are oval elements. The color of the rash varies from pinkish to red, white or gray.
A similar rash appears during exudation, when blood plasma enters the intercellular space. In this state, it is easier for the immune system to act on pathogens that have entered the body.
Transparent or white blisters in a child are on different parts of the body. It all depends on the pathogen, allergen or other provoking factor that caused inflammation. For example, large blisters in a child are most likely caused by a burn, but they are classified as injuries, not rashes.
Blisters are also called urticaria. They are slightly raised and denser areas of the skin that are formed as a result of swelling of the dermis, which acts as the middle layer of the skin. In general, such elements are called urticaria. In young children, it is accompanied by constant anxiety and the presence of traces of scratching in places of maximum rash.
Possible causes
In most cases, parents understand almost any rash as blisters. In this regard, the causes that cause transparent or white blisters in a child are very diverse. For children, there are several most likely factors that provoke rashes. The main causes of blisters in a child:
- allergic reaction;
- infectious diseases;
- sunburn;
- diaper dermatitis or diaper rash;
- viral diseases.
When a doctor's help is needed
If the blisters on the child's body do not go away within 1-2 days, this is a reason to make an appointment with a doctor - a pediatrician or a dermatologist. In JSC "Medicina" (clinic of academician Roitberg) in the center of Moscow, you can visit any pediatric specialist. He will conduct an examination and prescribe the necessary diagnostic studies, which will help to make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
On the legs and arms
Blisters in a child in the area of the extremities occur due to their insufficient hygiene. Even microcracks can become a "gateway" for infection, which will provoke local inflammation. If the blisters resemble hives, then this is an allergy that can be provoked by:
- food products;
- contact with synthetic clothing;
- medicinal preparations;
- dust;
- frost;
- pets.
In this case, blisters on the hands and feet may occur.
They are accompanied by other allergic symptoms. It can be severe itching, tearing, sneezing, sore throat, etc. There are practically no diseases that could cause blisters of such localization, but it’s still worth visiting a doctor with a child.
All over the body
throughout the body, that is, a very high probability that one of the infections is the cause. Moreover, many of these diseases are contagious, and therefore it is better to call a doctor at home. Possible causes of rashes:
- streptoderma;
- varicella;
- follicular angina;
- erysipelas;
- enterovirus;
- herpes zoster;
- pemphigus;
- herpes 1 and 2 types.
With infection, in addition to rashes, fever, general weakness and chills are observed. The localization of the blisters may suggest the type of disease. For example, with pemphigus, a rash appears on the abdomen, around the navel, and on the thighs. A variation of this disease is Ritter's disease (exfoliating dermatitis).
Bubbles first appear around the mouth, usually during feeding (if a woman has cracked nipples), and then spread throughout the body. Erysipelatous inflammation also begins in the area around the navel, after which it quickly spreads to neighboring tissues.
On the fingers and palms
Blisters on the palms of a child are one of the most common manifestations of eczema that develops against the background of blockage of the sweat glands. This disease is called dyshidrosis. Even blisters on the palms of a child occur with scarlet fever. They are formed, as a rule, after the parents have discovered other symptoms, so the rash no longer surprises them.
Also, blisters on the toes of a child occur due to:
- allergies;
- dermatitis;
- insect bites;
- lack of vitamins.
On the feet and heels
Blisters on the feet of a child are often caused by a fungal disease. Spots on the heel can be the result of wearing uncomfortable shoes.
These are common calluses that occur immediately after rubbing the skin. Because of them, the child’s gait is disturbed, because it hurts him to walk in uncomfortable shoes.
Another reason is again an allergic reaction, especially if there was contact with the allergen at the site of the rash. Another cause of blisters is autoimmune arthritis, which is characterized by stiffness and pain in the joints.
On the face
Blisters on the face of a child occur for the following reasons:
- herpes. The rash is localized on the lips or around the mouth. In the first 2-3 days it causes itching, after which it opens and becomes covered with crusts;
- viral infections: scarlet fever, influenza, rubella, chickenpox, measles;
- allergic reaction to sunlight. Blisters are localized under the eyes and on the chin.
Almost all infections are not characterized by a rash that is localized only on the face. Most often, rashes are observed on other parts of the body.
Only herpes is characterized by a rash of a certain localization, most often around the mouth.
On the buttocks and scrotum
Blisters on the buttocks of a child are a common symptom of skin irritation. In infants, it is the result of:
- Allergies to diaper or underwear materials;
- insufficient hygiene of the genital area;
- chafing of the skin with tight underwear;
- prickly heat (sleep in a hot room, clothes not for the weather, hot season).
Diaper rash sometimes occurs even with sufficient care, if the child has an increased skin vulnerability or a tendency to allergic conditions. Prickly heat is the smallest swelling of the upper layer of the skin like bubbles of a reddish or bright pink color. They appear in the back, chest, armpits and neck folds.
A fungal infection can also cause a rash on the buttocks. On the scrotum, it is formed with genital herpes. Once in the body, this virus remains in it forever and makes itself felt when the immune system is weakened.
In adolescents, a rash on the buttocks may accompany a disease such as psoriasis. In this case, rashes are also found on other parts of the body: elbows, along the hairline on the forehead, on the head, etc.
On the back
reaction or infection. In newborns, a rash can be a sign of prickly heat, overheating. Eruptions appear in the area of the shoulder blades and in all folds of the skin. Also, the cause of the appearance of such blisters can be bites of fleas or bedbugs.
Practical advice
The main discomfort from rashes is that they itch. But in no case should you scratch them, since microtrauma as a result of bursting of the bubbles can cause a secondary bacterial infection to attach. This will only aggravate the situation and worsen the condition of the child. To prevent the rash from itching, you can give your child an antihistamine.
In the presence of signs of an infectious disease, self-medication is by no means possible. In case of fever, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, it is imperative to consult a doctor.
The younger the child, the more severely he suffers an infectious disease. In addition, many pathologies can provoke serious complications.
Other useful tips for parents:
- if 10-15 hours have passed since the rash appeared and it has not disappeared, it is necessary to examine the entire body and record the location of the rash, take the temperature, and then consult a doctor;
- before consulting a specialist, it is allowed to treat the rashes with an antiseptic preparation.
In the first year of life, various rashes often appear in children. This is due to the fact that delicate skin is only adapting to new conditions for it. When a rash appears after sleep, if there is no temperature on its background, you can not worry. If the rash does not cover most of the body, then most likely they are not dangerous. Otherwise, you should seek help from a specialist.
How to make an appointment with a dermatologist
To make an appointment with a pediatrician or dermatologist, you can call us at +7 (495) 775-73-60 or use the online form where you can choose a specialist and an appointment time.
