The skin's natural protection mechanism

When our skin is irritated, blisters appear. This is a self-protective reaction of the skin, which is manifested as round or oval vesicles containing fluid on the surface of the skin. Let's follow me to learn more about it.

How are blisters formed?

Trauma caused by:

①　Continued friction: When the skin is subjected to constant friction, such as walking for a long time in ill-fitting shoes or repeated hand activities (such as using tools), this can cause the top layer of skin (epidermis) to separate from the layer below (dermis), forming fluid-filled vesicles, or blisters, between the two.

②　Temperature injury: Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can cause damage to the skin. High temperatures can cause burns, while low temperatures can cause frostbite. In both cases, the body releases fluid into the injured area in an effort to repair damaged skin tissue, which can cause blisters.

③　Physical trauma: Strong impact or pressure, such as an accidental fall or pressure from a heavy object, can cause tiny blood vessels under the skin to rupture. This injury can cause blood to seep into the skin layers, forming blisters containing blood, also known as blood blisters.

④　Chemical irritation: Exposure to certain strong chemicals, such as strong acids, bases, or industrial cleaners, may cause an inflammatory response in the skin, leading to the formation of blisters.

Internal injuries cause:

①　Microbial infections: Bacterial or viral infections, such as impetigo or shingles, can cause blisters on the skin. In these cases, pus may accumulate in the blisters while the body mobilizes immune cells, such as white blood cells, to fight the infection.

②　Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to certain substances, such as metal, rubber, or certain medications, can also cause blisters on the skin. This reaction is an overreaction of the body's immune system to these foreign substances.

③　Skin diseases: Certain skin diseases, such as eczema or pemphigus, involve a pathological process that causes a loss of adhesion between the skin layers, leading to the formation of blisters. These diseases often involve the body's immune system, causing it to mistakenly attack the skin tissue.

What is the fluid in the blisters?

When the skin is damaged, a clear to yellowish fluid begins to accumulate in the local area, forming blisters on the surface of the skin. This fluid is mainly composed of serum, which comes from the blood but does not contain blood cells or clotting factors. The body releases this fluid to cover the damaged area, causing the injured skin to swell, thus forming a protective layer that hides the wound and prevents infection.

Blisters are also easy to pop, and sometimes they are accompanied by an inflammatory reaction, which causes the skin around the blister to become red. This redness is usually a sign of inflammation of the surrounding tissue. The presence of blisters not only provides a moist environment for the wound, which helps the healing process but also acts as a physical barrier, reducing the intrusion of external bacteria and dirt, reducing the risk of infection.

How to deal with these blisters?

If the diameter of the blister is larger than 5 mm, you can use a disposable blood glucose needle to gently puncture the blister, wipe off the liquid inside with a cotton swab, and then cover it with a hydrocolloid dressing.

If the blister is less than 5 mm in diameter, no treatment is required, because the intact blister can act as a natural dressing to protect the skin underneath. If the blister accidentally ruptures, it should be disinfected and applied with a hydrocolloid dressing immediately to prevent infection. Under the guidance of a doctor, antibiotic ointment can be used appropriately and covered with a sterile dressing to promote healing and protect the damaged area.

The key to preventing blisters is to reduce friction and pressure on the skin, such as wearing appropriate shoes, using gloves for manual labor, and avoiding prolonged contact with irritating chemicals. For certain groups of people, such as athletes or people who often engage in outdoor activities, special attention should be paid to skin protection to reduce the occurrence of blisters. If blisters are caused by underlying diseases, medical treatment should be sought in time to avoid complications.

Blisters are a natural reaction of the skin to various irritants and are usually nothing to worry about. If blisters occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor to rule out underlying health problems. Maintaining good personal hygiene habits and a healthy lifestyle can effectively prevent the formation of blisters. For more information on Innomed®Hydrocolloid Blister Plaster, Refer to the Previous Articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; You Wholeheartedly. At longterm medical, we transform this data by Innovating and Developing Products that Make Life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia