Blisters and a skin infection

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Blisters and a skin infection

Watch for a skin infection while your blister is healing. Signs of a skin infection include:

• Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth.
• Red streaks extending away from the blister.
• A discharge of pus or a honey-colored fluid.
• Fever.
• Swollen glands.

A skin infection is more likely if:

• Dirt remains in a broken blister, cut, or scratch.
• The blister is in the genital or anal area, in a skin fold, or between the toes.

You have a greater risk of infection and complications from a blister if you also have other conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or immune system problems, which cause problems with healing.

A cut or a scratch may turn into a blister-type sore that oozes a honey-colored fluid and forms a crust. This may be caused by impetigo, which most often develops on the face but can affect other parts of the body.

Most broken blisters do not become infected if they are properly cleaned and cared for. Home treatment measures for cleaning and caring for a broken blister can reduce your risk of an infection.

Call your health professional if you have a blister and signs of infection. A health professional can evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment. Prompt treatment of an infection can help prevent serious complications.

Credits

Last updated:	May 08, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer