Some foot conditions cause bumps on your feet that can lead to friction blisters.
It causes the upper layer of skin to separate from the layers underneath.
Fluid collects under the damaged skin, to cushion against further damage and promote healing.
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Friction blisters should be allowed to heal on their own.
If blisters pop on their own, cover with a bandage to prevent bacterial infection at the site.
However, a large, painful blister may require draining to reduce discomfort.
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This will relieve the pressure as the fluid drains.
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Blisters of these sorts are common in runners due to the accumulation of sweat in their shoes and socks.
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Keeping your feet dry can help prevent this.
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Sunburn
Asunburnis due to overexposure to the sunsultraviolet (UV)rays.
It can occur on almost any part of the body, including the tops of your feet.
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People often get these blisters when they fall asleep in the sun.
Frostbite is generally categorized into four grades of injury.
Blisters occur with grade 2 exposure, and can become blood-filled in grade 3 exposure.
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Treatment for frostbite will depend on the severity of the injury.
Thrombolytic medications also are used to restore blood flow to the tissue.
The rash can develop within minutes to hours of exposure and last up to four weeks in some cases.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Tiny blisters are common.
The best way to prevent allergic contact dermatitis is to avoid known allergens.
Severe cases may need oral steroids like prednisone.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis anautoimmune diseasethat causes itchy and scaly red patches on the skin.
Psoriasis occurs because theimmune systemis overactive and speeds up skin cell growth.
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Tiny blisters can form as fluids beneath the skin start to pool.
A rare form of psoriasis, known aspustular psoriasis, can cause white or yellow blisters filled with pus.
When it affects the feet, it is called palmoplantar pustular psoriasis.
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The outbreak of blisters, which resembles tapioca pudding, can flare up suddenly and resolve just as quickly.
Young adults are most commonly affected.
Stress, sweat, and heat are other potential triggers.
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The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown but does not involve an allergic reaction.
Moisturizers and lotions can reduce skin dryness as well as the risk of flare-ups.
Mild cases may be managed with topical corticosteroids.
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If your condition is severe, oral steroids or asteroid shotmay be preferred.
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Infections
Some viral infections can cause blisters on the skin.
It, too, can lead to blisters.
Your healthcare provider will need to diagnose the pathogen and recommend treatment.
Antibiotics, for example, can be used to treat a bacterial infection like impetigo.
It is resulting from an overgrowth of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments like sweaty socks.
Other risk factors includeobesity, aweakened immune system, and residing in a long-term care facility.
Vesiculobullous tinea pedis, like any other form of athletes foot, is managed withtopical antifungal medications.
Over-the-counter products are available.
Spider bites especially are known to cause a tiny but sometimes painful blister at the site of the injury.
Fire ants and ticks can do the same.
The condition develops when valves in a vein are too weak to push blood toward the heart.
Compression sockscan help improve circulation and prevent the pooling of blood in your legs.
Management of epidermolysis bullosa simplex is focused on protecting the skin from any friction or injury.
Wear the shoes for only short periods of time until they are amply softened.
Tie the shoelaces tightly so your feet don’t move around.
Most importantly, ensure the shoes are the right size for your feet.
People withdiabetes, neuropathy, or circulatory problems need to take extra care to prevent foot infections.
Examine your feet daily and see a podiatrist if you have any signs of blister growth.
Your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose your blister with an examination.
Summary
Various conditions can cause blisters to form on your feet.
Even some insect bites cause blisters.
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