eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Environmental
Friction Blisters: Differential Diagnoses & Workup
Updated: Apr 30, 2008
- Overview
- Differential Diagnoses & Workup
- Treatment & Medication
- Follow-up
Differential Diagnoses
Amyloidosis, Primary Systemic
Bedbug Bites
Epidermolysis Bullosa
Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Insect Bites
Pemphigus Foliaceus
Other Problems to Be Considered
Acquired and hereditary epidermolysis bullosa
Systemic amyloidosis
Coma blisters
Bullous insect bite reactions
Other bullous dermatoses
Workup
Histologic Findings
The friction blister forms with a split in the stratum spinosum. Midepidermal necrosis is evident. The blister roof consists of normal and necrotic keratinocytes; the blister floor consists of normal, edematous, and degenerating keratinocytes. The blister cavity is filled with a clear transudate. High mitotic activity is present in the base of the blister about 30 hours after formation of the friction blister. A significant inflammatory infiltrate is not observed as long as the blister site is not secondarily infected.
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Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Friction Blisters |
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References
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Akers WA, Sulzberger MB. The friction blister. Mil Med. Jan 1972;137(1):1-7. [Medline].
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Epstein WL, Fukuyama K, Cortese TA. Autoradiographic study of friction blisters. RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis. Arch Dermatol. Jan 1969;99(1):94-106. [Medline].
Herring KM, Richie DH Jr. Friction blisters and sock fiber composition. A double-blind study. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. Feb 1990;80(2):63-71. [Medline].
Hunter JA, McVittie E, Comaish JS. Light and electron microscopic studies of physical injury to the skin. II. Friction. Br J Dermatol. May 1974;90(5):491-9. [Medline].
Knapik JJ, Reynolds KL, Duplantis KL, Jones BH. Friction blisters. Pathophysiology, prevention and treatment. Sports Med. Sep 1995;20(3):136-47. [Medline].
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Further Reading
Keywords
cellulitis, sepsis, impetigo, moleskin
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Friction Blisters