Blistering
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Try one of these related symptoms.
There are blisters
Lip blister
Painful blisters
Clear liquid in a blister
Shingles-like rash on the skin
Blisters on my legs
Blisters after redness
Easily broken blisters
Causing a blister
Blisters on my mouth
Bumps on skin hurts
Shingles-like rash
About the Symptom
Blisters are raised bubbles when fluid collects in between layers of skin. They can be small or large. There can be many causes of skin blisters, from simple trauma to infection and immune mediated mechanisms. Treat blisters gently, do not peel the skin overlying the blister.
Possible Causes
Generally, Blistering can be related to:
- Bullous Disease of Diabetes
A condition in which blisters appear on the arms, hands and legs, typically seen in long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes.
- Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
An autoimmune skin disease (caused by the body's immune system attacking its own cells).
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
This refers to a skin inflammation where small blisters develop on the fingers, palms, and soles.
- Pemphigus
- Eosinophilic Cellulitis
- Congenital bullous disease
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Pemphigoid Group
- Bullous Pemphigoid
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Blistering may be related to these serious diseases:
- Second Degree Burn
Second degree burns affect both the epidermis (first layer of the skin) and the dermis (second layer of skin). They may cause severe pain, swelling, blisters, and scarring. In modern medicine, these burns are now referred to as "partial thickness" burns.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have any blisters on your skin?
- When did you first notice the blisters on your skin?
- How often do you experience blisters on your skin?
- How are your blisters on the skin now?
- Are there blisters on your hands and feet?
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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See full list
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FAQs
Q.
Itchy 'Tapioca' Blisters? Why Your Skin Is Blistering & Medical Next Steps
A.
Small, intensely itchy tapioca-like blisters on the sides of the fingers, palms, soles, or toes are most often dyshidrotic eczema, which is not contagious and commonly flares with stress, irritants, allergies, sweat, and heat. There are several factors to consider, including look-alikes like contact dermatitis, fungal infection, herpetic whitlow, autoimmune blistering disease, or rare drug reactions; see the complete guidance and red flags below. Initial care includes prescription topical steroids, cool compresses, moisturizers, and trigger avoidance, and you should seek medical care for first episodes, recurrent or rapidly spreading blisters, severe pain, fever, mouth or eye involvement, signs of infection, or blistering after a new medication.
References:
* Reichenberg JS, Allevato MA. Dyshidrotic Eczema: Diagnosis and Management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023 Mar;24(2):237-249. doi: 10.1007/s40257-023-00769-y. Epub 2023 Feb 18. PMID: 36799307.
* Oh SH, Noh S, Won YH, Lee HG. Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Comprehensive Review. Ann Dermatol. 2021 Apr;33(2):111-118. doi: 10.5021/ad.2021.33.2.111. Epub 2021 Mar 31. PMID: 33785935; PMCID: PMC8004746.
* Werner RN, Langan SM, Garcia-Doval I, Svensson Å, von Kobyletzki LB, Sachse MM, EADV Task Force for Atopic Dermatitis. Pompholyx - Clinical aspects and diagnosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Jun;34(6):1174-1180. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16335. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32202383.
* Werner RN, Langan SM, Garcia-Doval I, Svensson Å, von Kobyletzki LB, Sachse MM, EADV Task Force for Atopic Dermatitis. Pompholyx - Treatment. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020 Jun;34(6):1181-1186. doi: 10.1111/jdv.16336. Epub 2020 Apr 16. PMID: 32202385.
* Thyssen JP, Johansen JD, Linneberg A, Menné T. Hand eczema: an overview of characteristics and treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2011 Feb;12(1):31-40. doi: 10.2165/11584890-000000000-00000. PMID: 21128795.
Q.
Cold Sore Won't Heal? Why Your Lip Is Blistering and Medical Next Steps
A.
Cold sores usually heal in 7 to 14 days; if yours lingers beyond two weeks, gets larger or more painful, or keeps returning, possible reasons include immune stress, delayed treatment, a secondary bacterial infection, or that it is not a cold sore. Next steps include starting prescription oral antivirals early, using antibiotics if infected, considering daily suppressive therapy for frequent outbreaks, and seeking urgent care for any eye symptoms, severe pain or fever, or if you are immunocompromised. There are several factors to consider; see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Opitz, L., & Hampel, R. (2017). Recurrent herpes labialis: Facts and controversies. *Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology*, *15*(10), 991–999.
* Lara, M. M., & Hraki, F. I. (2021). Atypical and resistant herpes simplex virus infections. *Cutis*, *107*(1), 17–20.
* Lo, L., & Hu, J. C. (2020). Oral mucosal blistering diseases: a review of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. *International Journal of Dermatology*, *59*(7), 785–794.
* Wong, Y. C., & Lee, M. K. (2020). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of herpes simplex infections: a review. *Oral Diseases*, *26*(Suppl 1), 60–65.
* Iyer, S. V., & Gupta, A. K. (2021). Herpes labialis: current and future therapeutic options. *Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy*, *19*(11), 1335–1347.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Buchman JS. Blistering diseases of the skin. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 1996 Jan;13(1):91-108. PMID: 8849935.