Friction Blisters Follow-up

Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD more...

Updated: May 13, 2011

What would you like to print?

Deterrence/Prevention
Complications
Prognosis
Patient Education
Show All

Deterrence/Prevention

Prevention of friction blisters has focused on antiperspirant agents and appropriate footgear.^{[11, 12]}Antiperspirant agents decrease the likelihood of developing friction blisters, but their use is confounded by a high incidence of irritant contact dermatitis.

The incidence of friction blisters on the feet may be somewhat decreased by the use of neoprene insoles, acrylic-based socks, or thin polyester socks combined with a thick wool or polypropylene sock that can maintain its bulk in the presence of moisture from sweat and compression.^{[13, 14, 15, 16, 17]}Appropriately fitted shoes also are helpful in the prevention of friction blisters.

Friction blisters, which occur when shear loading causes the separation of dermal layers, were avoided when a triglyceride lubricant with T-shirt knit cotton was used.^[18]The results of such textile and surface treatment performance are of value.

Complications

Impetigo may become a serious complication with resulting cellulitis and sepsis.

Prognosis

Friction blisters create localized discomfort; however, they should not be taken lightly because secondary impetigo may become a serious complication with resulting cellulitis and sepsis.

Patient Education

Educate patients about the importance of prevention measures (see Deterrence/Prevention).

For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Bacterial and Viral Infections Center and Skin, Hair, and Nails Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Impetigo, Skin Rashes in Children, and Antibiotics.

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Kuljit Chima, MD Fellow, Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Kuljit Chima, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

W Clark Lambert, MD, PhD Professor and Head, Dermatopathology, Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

W Clark Lambert, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Dermatological Association, American Society of Dermatopathology, International Academy of Pathology, Medical Society of New Jersey, Sigma Xi, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Robin Travers, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Dartmouth University School of Medicine; Staff Dermatologist, New England Baptist Hospital; Private Practice, SkinCare Physicians

Robin Travers, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Informatics Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, Medical Dermatology Society, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey Meffert, MD Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

Hoeffler DF. Friction blisters and cellulitis in a navy recruit population. Mil Med. May 1975;140(5):333-7. [Medline].
Gerhardt LC, Strässle V, Lenz A, Spencer ND, Derler S. Influence of epidermal hydration on the friction of human skin against textiles. J R Soc Interface. Mar 10 2008;[Medline].
Dai XQ, Li Y, Zhang M, Cheung JT. Effect of sock on biomechanical responses of foot during walking. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). Mar 2006;21(3):314-21. [Medline].
Gerhardt LC, Strassle V, Lenz A, Spencer ND, Derler S. Influence of epidermal hydration on the friction of human skin against textiles. J R Soc Interface. Nov 6 2008;5(28):1317-28. [Medline].
Sasmaz S, Karaoguz A, Uzel M, Coban YK. Pyogenic granuloma on the hand subsequent to friction blister in a hand surgeon. Dermatol Online J. 2006;12(3):22. [Medline].
Yavuz M, Davis BL. Plantar shear stress distribution in athletic individuals with frictional foot blisters. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. Mar-Apr 2010;100(2):116-20. [Medline].
Ko WC, Chen YF. Suction blister epidermal grafts combined with CO2 laser superficial ablation as a good method for treating small-sized vitiligo. Dermatol Surg. Apr 2009;35(4):601-6. [Medline].
Garg K, Singh D, Mishra D. Peeling skin syndrome: Current status. Dermatol Online J. Mar 15 2010;16(3):10. [Medline].
Harth W, Taube KM, Gieler U. Facticious disorders in dermatology. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Feb 12 2010;[Medline].
Sevilla JA, Rodriguez FM, Dallasta RM. [The treatment of blisters caused by friction while hiking the Road to Santiago]. Rev Enferm. Jan 2007;30(1):32-6. [Medline].
Knapik JJ, Reynolds K, Barson J. Influence of an antiperspirant on foot blister incidence during cross-country hiking. J Am Acad Dermatol. Aug 1998;39(2 Pt 1):202-6. [Medline].
Reynolds K, Darrigrand A, Roberts D, Knapik J, Pollard J, Duplantis K, et al. Effects of an antiperspirant with emollients on foot-sweat accumulation and blister formation while walking in the heat. J Am Acad Dermatol. Oct 1995;33(4):626-30. [Medline].
Jagoda A, Madden H, Hinson C. A friction blister prevention study in a population of marines. Mil Med. Jan 1981;146(1):42-4. [Medline].
Knapik JJ, Hamlet MP, Thompson KJ, Jones BH. Influence of boot-sock systems on frequency and severity of foot blisters. Mil Med. Oct 1996;161(10):594-8. [Medline].
Smith W, Walter J Jr, Bailey M. Effects of insoles in Coast Guard basic training footwear. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. Dec 1985;75(12):644-7. [Medline].
Spence WR, Shields MN. Insole to reduce shearing forces on the soles of the feet. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Aug 1968;49(8):476-9. [Medline].
Spence WR, Shields MN. New insole for prevention of athletic blisters. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. Sep 1968;8(3):177-80. [Medline].
Guerra C, Schwartz CJ. Investigation of the influence of textiles and surface treatments on blistering using a novel simulant. Skin Res Technol. Apr 21 2011;[Medline].

View Table List

Read more about Friction Blisters on Medscape

About Medscape Reference | Editorial & Advisory Board

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

About Medscape Reference

Medscape Reference is the most authoritative and accessible point-of-care medical reference for physicians and health care professionals. All content is available free of charge, both online and via mobile devices.

Medscape Reference articles represent the expertise and practical knowledge of top physicians and pharmacists from leading academic medical centers in the US and worldwide. In addition, our rigorous literature survey process allows us to rapidly integrate new practice-changing information into the relevant topics by systematically reviewing the major medical and pharmacy journals, news announcements, and important practice guidelines.

Medscape Reference provides comprehensive coverage across more than 30 medical specialties and is composed of the following areas:

Diseases and Conditions

More than 6,300 evidence-based and physician-reviewed disease and condition articles are organized to rapidly and comprehensively answer clinical questions, as well as to provide in-depth information in support of diagnosis, treatment, and other clinical decision-making. Topics are richly illustrated with more than 30,000 clinical photos and radiographic images.

Procedures

More than 650 clinical procedure articles provide clear, step-by-step instructions, and include instructional videos and images to allow clinicians to master the newest techniques or to improve their skills in procedures they have previously performed.

Drugs

More than 2,100 monographs, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, plus over 5,000 corresponding brand-name drugs, herbals, and supplements, are provided. Drug images and pricing are also included. In addition, a Drug Interaction Checker provides rapid access to tens of thousands of interactions between brand and generic drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbals and supplements.

Anatomy

More than 70 anatomy articles feature clinical images and diagrams of the major human body systems and organs. The articles assist with the understanding of the anatomy involved in treating specific conditions and performing procedures. They can also facilitate physician-patient discussions.

Special Features
Best Evidence

This email newsletter features current and clinically relevant journal citations that are selected via our rigorous literature survey review process. These same citations are incorporated into the relevant Medscape Reference articles. This newsletter serves as a quick and easily accessible way to stay up to date with clinically relevant journal articles that impact clinical practice.

Case Studies

These challenging and classic case presentations provide a quick way for practicing physicians to sharpen their diagnostic and patient-management skills. Each case starts with how the patient presented in the clinic and then using a question and answer format, progresses through diagnosis and on to treatment and includes follow up information about outcome for the patient.

Image collections

Image collections are a visually-engaging presentation of both common and uncommon diseases, case presentations, and current controversies in medicine. They are presented in an image rich, slideshow format and are designed to challenge and expand physicians' knowledge of clinically important topics.

Medscape is the leading online destination for healthcare professionals for clinical information. In addition to clinical reference tools, Medscape also offers:

Medscape News Learn more
Medscape Education Learn more