Friction Blisters Treatment & Management

  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 22, 2012
 

Medical Care

Management of friction blisters includes sterile drainage of the site while leaving the blister roof intact to serve as a dressing. This method helps relieve some discomfort and protects the site from superinfection. A donut of moleskin may also be applied to minimize additional trauma to the blister and to relieve discomfort. If the blister roof is already fully or partially removed, treat the site as an open wound with appropriate antiseptic and surgical bandage application. Hydrocolloid dressings have also been proven to decrease discomfort and encourage healing. Some recommend debridement of the skin of the blister, the use of a topical containing nitrofurazone, and the application of a bandage.[11]

Prompt attention to friction blisters is important to prevent the development of secondary impetigo with possible cellulitis and sepsis. Institute appropriate systemic antibiotic therapy if impetigo develops.

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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  Assistant Attending Physician in Clinical Dermatology, Columbia University Medical Center

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, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

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

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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  2. 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].

  3. 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].

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  8. 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].

  9. Garg K, Singh D, Mishra D. Peeling skin syndrome: Current status. Dermatol Online J. Mar 15 2010;16(3):10. [Medline].

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  11. 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].

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  13. 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].

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  16. 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].

  17. 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].

  18. Spence WR, Shields MN. New insole for prevention of athletic blisters. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. Sep 1968;8(3):177-80. [Medline].

  19. 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].

  20. Bogerd CP, Niedermann R, Brühwiler PA, Rossi RM. The effect of two sock fabrics on perception and physiological parameters associated with blister incidence: a field study. Ann Occup Hyg. May 2012;56(4):481-8. [Medline].

 
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