You spent too long in the sun or forgot to add that extra layer of sunscreen, and now your skin is blistering. Although these blisters are not harmful, they should be treated with care to avoid infection. A knowledge of how you got the blisters and how to treat them will help to ensure that you keep your skin safe and healthy.
Function
When you are outside, the ultraviolet radiation from the sun's rays stimulate melanin pigments in your skin. These brown pigments turn darker with more exposure, giving you a tanned appearance. But when the melanin pigments cannot absorb more ultraviolet radiation, the skin begins to burn. Staying in the sun too long can cause surface burns known as blisters.
Significance
Excess sun exposure not only contributes to sunburn and sun blisters, but also can lead to skin cancer and premature aging, according to Treat Blisters, a website operated by a Romanian medical student. A person may be up to five times more susceptible to skin cancer if he has experienced three sunburn blisters before the age of 20.
Prevention
Practice sun safety measures to prevent blisters. Make efforts to stay out of the sun at peak hours, which are during the middle of the day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen several times while outside to protect against sunburn and sun blistering, the Mayo Clinic advises.
Treatment
When you experience a blister, take care not to pop the bubble-like skin layer, the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics advise. This skin layer is actually a protective coating. The blister will eventually burst or open without intervention. When this occurs, dab an antibiotic cream on the affected area twice daily for three days. You may also wish to take an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce any swelling.
Warning
In some cases, bacteria can infect blisters. The blister will seem to worsen in appearance, becoming redder and more painful, or it may have a thick yellow discharge, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. If you suspect a blister is infected, contact your health-care provider.
