Blisters are fluid-filled bumps on your skin that cause discomfort and are unattractive. When the blisters are on your hands, they may make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Blisters have multiple causes, and usually they resolve on their own. If your blisters pop open, it is essential to clean your skin and cover the area to minimize the risk of infection. Blisters may be limited to just your hands, or they may be widespread on your whole body, depending on the cause.
Friction
Friction, involving rubbing and squeezing of your skin, may cause blisters. Friction blisters may occur from holding utensils or pens. Gardening without using gloves may cause friction blisters on your hands. Blisters may also form on the skin of your ankles or toes from wearing poorly fitting shoes.
Infections
Infections may cause blisters on your skin. Viruses that lead to such infections include chickenpox -- also called varicella-zoster virus -- herpes, cold sores and shingles, according to MedlinePlus. Bacterial infections, such as impetigo, also cause blisters. Mite infections, such as scabies, produce blisters.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis may cause blisters on your skin. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that occurs after coming into contact with powerful irritants such as chemicals and detergents. Certain plants also may cause contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.
Burns
Burns cause blisters as part of the healing process. It is important to make sure that blisters from burns do not break and become infected, as this complication can be serious. Burns may occur from overexposure to the sun or sources of extreme heat or cold.
Member Comments