A blister is a pocket of fluid that occurs between the upper layers of skin. They are commonly caused by friction, burning, freezing, chemical burns, and infection. Blisters may also occur as a symptom of some diseases.
The blister bubble is formed in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin, whose purpose is to protect and cushion the layers of skin below. Blisters are often filled with serum, plasma, blood or pus depending on how and where they are formed.
This article will discuss what blisters are, how they can be caused and the best ways to prevent and treat them.
What Are the Causes of Blisters?
Blisters can occur due to various factors. For example, certain activities and illnesses make you more susceptible to blistering. Here are some of the most common causes of blisters:
Temperature Extremes
First-degree and second-degree burns are a common cause of blisters. In fact, the timing of blister formation helps categorize burns. Second degree burns usually blister immediately, but first-degree burns will cause blisters a couple of days after the incident. [1]
Extreme cold conditions, such as frostbite [2] also cause blisters. In both cases, the blister usually occurs as a defense mechanism to protect lower levels of skin from temperature-related damage.