DEFINITION

A Blister is the common term used to describe a vesicle or bulla. A vesicle is fluid-filled raised area on the skin which is 5mm or less in diameter. A bulla is a fluid-filled raised area greater than 5mm in diameter .

DESCRIPTION

Vesicles and Bullae are caused by allergy or irritation to the skin. Patches of Blisters can be caused by:
- Contact dermatitis, caused by exposure to substances that irritate the skin or that trigger allergic responses. The causes of contact dermatitis can vary from poison ivy to perfumed soaps or washing detergents.
- Viral illnesses such as chickenpox or shingles.
- Second degree burns, possibly from sunburn.
- Chronic allergic reaction to insect bites and stings. Sand fly or midge bites are a common cause of this type of reaction.
- On the feet from shoes rubbing, or on the hands from gripping tools.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and treatment of widespread eruptions of Blisters. These conditions can arise from a number of possible causes and your Doctor will advise you on the appropriate treatment and prevention strategies for your condition.

Blisters that are caused by contact dermatitis are prevented by avoiding contact with the chemical that has caused the reaction. The chemical causing the allergy can be difficult to pinpoint, although many people find that their dermatitis is caused by skin-care products eg. cosmetic products, sunscreen, soap or moisturiser. Doctors will sometimes perform allergy tests on a patient's skin to work out the exact cause of allergic reactions that cause contact dermatitis.

Blisters caused by insect bites or contact dermatitis can be extremely itchy due to local inflammation. Your Doctor may advise you to use a topical corticosteroid cream to control the itching.

There are some steps you can take to help Blisters heal:
- NEVER burst Blisters. The skin is your body's barrier against infection, so as long as the skin remains intact, this barrier is effective. Once a Blister is opened, it becomes a possible site of entry for bacteria and other infectious agents. If your Blisters are the result of a viral infection such as chickenpox, then the fluid inside these lesions contains your virus. If the Blisters are broken, then the virus is able to spread very easily.
- Do not scratch Blisters. Cool, damp compresses can help control itching.
- WASH the area gently with gentle soap and lukewarm or cool water to remove bacteria from the skin. If your condition was caused by contact dermatitis, avoid using any soap until you have established the cause of your reaction.
- If the Blisters have already burst, a dressing may be applied for comfort. Always apply a topical antibiotic treatment before you place a dressing over burst Blisters. Monitor the Blisters for signs of infection after they have broken. If Blisters become infected or fail to heal, see your Doctor.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Your Pharmacy stocks a range of topical creams and ointments to treat itching and prevent infection of Blisters.
2) Ask your Pharmacist about the sort of dressing you can use to cover burst Blisters.
3) If your condition was caused by insect bites and stings, ask your Pharmacist for advice on topical lotions and creams that prevent these bites.
4) If the diet is inadequate, consider some nutritional supplements. Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

DIET HINTS

- Eliminate junk food, pork and fried food from the diet.
- Include spinach, carrots, kale, and other green and orange vegetables daily. These vegetables may help support the immune system.
- Foods high in vitamin C may help reduce infection. These include citrus fruits, capsicum, guava, berries and tomatoes.
- Include garlic in the diet. Garlic may help reduce infection.
- Juices such as carrot, beetroot and apple may help boost the immune system and clear the body of impurities. Herbal teas such as red clover and chamomile should also be included.
- Foods high in vitamin A may help repair skin infections. These foods include carrots, parsley, egg yolks, cantaloupes and fresh apricots.
- Foods high in zinc are recommended. Zinc may reduce infection and support the immune system. These foods include oysters, pumpkin seeds, rolled oats porridge and nuts.
- Other foods that may help support the immune system include wheatgerm, unsweetened yoghurt, sauerkraut and sesame seeds.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Nutritional supplements are only to be used if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate.
- Zinc and vitamin C may stimulate immunity and reduce infection.
- Acidophilus may support digestion, immunity and aid infection.
- Garlic is an antibacterial agent and may help the immune system.
- Golden seal, burdock, cleavers, blue flag and echinacea are believed to support the immune system, reduce infection and eliminate waste through the lymphatic system. They are also thought to be beneficial for the skin.

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