Pediatric Blisters

Injury, allergic reactions, immune diseases or infections can cause blisters. These include:

• Burns or scalds
• Sunburns
• Rubbing (friction), such as from shoes rubbing against the skin
• Atopic dermatitis
• A contagious skin infection (impetigo)
• Allergic reactions, such as poison ivy
• A life-threatening adverse reaction to certain medicines, or sometimes by an infection (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Viral infections, such as chickenpox and herpes zoster

Blisters caused by injury or rubbing (friction) will appear in that one area as a bubble filled with either clear or bloody liquid. Blisters that are due to another condition may appear in one area of your child's body. Or they may be all over your child's body. Blisters may be painful or itchy. In some cases, the blister may be caused by something that affects the whole body, such as an infection. Then your child may also have whole-body symptoms, such as fever, pain or extreme tiredness (fatigue). The symptoms of a blister may look like other skin conditions. Always see your child's healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Your child's healthcare provider can often diagnose blisters by looking at your child's skin. In other cases, a skin biopsy may be done. A piece of skin next to the blister is removed and checked under a microscope. The blister fluid or base can also be examined under the microscope. Or sent to a laboratory for a culture.

Blisters often heal on their own without treatment. If needed, treatment will vary, depending on the cause. Talk to your child's healthcare provider about treatments that are right for you. Some general guidelines for first aid may include:

• Don't burst (puncture) the blister unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Opening the blister could lead to infection.
• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Use padding around blisters that are caused by friction, such as those on your child's feet. Cut the padding into a donut shape and place it around the blister. This reduces pressure on the sore area.
• If the blister bursts, place a bandage or dressing on the area to keep it clean.
• Watch the area for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, pus formation or pain. If you notice any signs of infection, call your child's provider. Your child may need antibiotics.
• If you have full-body discomfort, such as flu-like symptoms, fever and an expanding red or purple rash that forms blisters, call your child's provider right away.