Blood blisters: causes and how to treat them

When your skin suddenly appears black or purple, you may panic. Well, this condition is known as a blood blister or blood blister. Blisters are small, fluid-filled sacs that form on the top layer of damaged skin. These blisters can develop anywhere, but are most common on the hands and feet.

What are blood blisters?

A blood blister is a type of blister on the skin that develops into a small sac filled with blood fluid from the blood vessels under the surface of the blister.

These blisters can appear after being pinched or have bruises that don't damage the skin too much so that the blood that springs from the inside can't come out. In fact, the blood is still covered with a thin layer like bubbles on the surface of the skin.

The actual content of the blister can vary. For example blood or pus if it is infected. Well, the blood blister will initially be red. Then when the blood begins to dry and clot, it turns blackish purple in color. The fluid that collects under the damaged skin tissue provides a cushion for the skin tissue underneath.

What caused these blisters?

There are many things that can trigger blood blisters. Here are the various possibilities.

• Friction on the skin.
• Exposure to heat, such as sunburn, burns, or after touching something very hot such as a pan.
• Chemical contact, for example contact with detergents.
• Medical conditions such as smallpox and impetigo.
• Medicines that are consumed can sometimes cause a reaction on the skin in the form of blood blisters.

In the case of blood-filled blisters, the broken blood vessels near the surface of the skin are often the result of a friction wound on the skin. For example, your finger has been pinched by a door.

Blood blisters can also be caused by a heavy blow while kicking something or tripping over them. Constant pressure from shoes or improper footwear can also trigger blisters on the skin.

How do you treat blood blisters?

In fact, most of these problems go away on their own after a week or two (or even sooner). Sooner or later the natural healing process depends on how much blood is trapped.

Healing also depends on whether you are putting less pressure on the part of the foot or hand that has the blister. Continuous pressure makes the blood blister heal for a long time. For example, if you have a blister on your toes, don't force your foot to keep wearing closed shoes and squeeze the blister.

These blisters generally do not require special medical treatment. The reason is, the new skin tissue under the blister will grow by itself. Over time the skin tissue will absorb the fluid in the blister until it dries up and can peel off.

However, any blisters should be covered with a sterile dressing and should be washed regularly to keep them clean. It is also very important to keep the blister from breaking. Because if it breaks, it can cause infection and slow down the healing process. If the blood sores break, keep the area clean and dry. You can also give an antiseptic to prevent infection.

These blood blisters often cause pain, especially if they break. To reduce the pain, apply an ice pack to the blood blister. Place the ice in a small towel to apply to the blister, not directly on the ice. Leave it on for 10-30 minutes and repeat several times a day or at any time the pain is felt.

When to see a doctor

Blood blisters are generally harmless and do not require medical attention from a doctor. However, there are also times when you need to get checked out. Here are the signs.

• An infection appears. The signs are yellow or green pus-filled sores, very painful, and hot.
• The blisters do not go away, they always appear again several times.
• Being in an unusual place, such as on the eyelid or inside the mouth.
• If the blisters arise due to an allergic reaction, consult a doctor for further treatment and remember what types of drugs cause this effect.
• If other symptoms occur, such as chills, fever, stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea, and muscle or joint pain.