Painful blisters

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Painful blisters

Blisters that develop from tight shoes rubbing against your skin may be painful, especially when you put weight or pressure on them. Unless you have another condition that causes problems with healing, such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or an immune system problem, this type of blister usually is not serious and often can be treated at home.

Painful blisters may occur for other reasons.

• Painful blisters that develop in a band or strip on one side of the body may be caused by shingles. Blisters from shingles usually develop on the chest, back, abdomen, head, face, neck, or one arm or leg. Prompt treatment of shingles can decrease the severity of the illness and shorten the duration of symptoms.
• Painful blisters in the genital area may be caused by the herpes simplex virus. Note: If you think your blisters may be caused by the herpes simplex virus, do not have sexual contact or activity while waiting for your appointment. Your partner may need to be treated as well.
• A bite from a spider, insect, or group of insects (such as fire ants) may cause painful blisters.
• Skin infection (cellulitis) that develops at or near the site of a blister may cause pain, redness, swelling, heat, and drainage of pus or honey-colored fluid.

Treatment for a painful blister may focus on relieving the pain and treating the underlying cause.

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