Bubbles, or blisters, can be found on dry skin resulting from contact dermatitis, shingles and burns. When bubbles are present on your skin, the skin will appear thin and often be filled with pus. Dry skin can feel tight and scaly and may flake. The treatments for bubbles on dry skin differ for each of these potential causes.
Identification
For contact dermatitis, the skin appears dry with scaling around the affected area. The area will often have blistering, swelling, itching and redness, according to DermNet NZ.
Shingles also has blisters that are fluid-filled and begin crusting over as the blisters heal. Shingles begins as pain, which is later followed by an itchy rash.
Burns are identified based on the severity of their degree. Second-degree burns blister the skin and cause pain, reddening and loss of skin. Third-degree burns appear dry and leathery. Burns can range from different degrees in different areas of the body.
Causes
Contact dermatitis is caused by the skin coming in contact with an irritant or allergen. Common irritants are detergents, soaps, water, adhesives, rough clothes, cold dry air and cosmetics, according to DermNet NZ.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus --- the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Burns are caused by ultraviolet rays, explosions and contact with sources of high heat. Burns can also include chemical and electrical burns.
Diagnosis
Burns can typically be diagnosed by allowing a doctor to observe the affected area.
Contact dermatitis can be diagnosed by a patch test where the skin is exposed to small amounts of irritants and then covered with bandages. The bandages are removed several days later to determine which irritant caused a reaction.
Shingles is diagnosed by scraping a tissue sample from the blisters to be examined under a microscope.
Treatment
Hydrocortisone creams, steroid creams and wet dressings can be used for contact dermatitis.
Burns are treated based on their severity. Second- and third-degree burns are covered with sterile gauze pads or clean cloths that will not stick to wounds. Never apply ointments to burns since this could cause an infection, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Because shingles is a virus, it typically will run its course untreated. A doctor may give you antiviral drugs, which are most effective if given within 72 hours of the onset of the condition's rash, according to MayoClinic.com.
Prevention
For contact dermatitis, once you know the cause of your irritation, you can avoid or minimize its contact with your skin. Switching to a fragrance-free clothing detergent, wearing less cosmetics and taking shorter baths or showers are some preventative measures that can be taken against contact dermatitis.
Varivax is the vaccine given to prevent or reduce severity of chickenpox, the precursor to shingles. To prevent shingles, the varicella-zoster vaccine, also known as Zostovax, can be given to adults over the age of 60.
Most adults and adolescents know how to lower their risk of burns; however, precaution needs to be taken with young children. Some ways to prevent burns on young children are by covering electrical outlets, using stove covers, using back burners while cooking, keeping cups of coffee out of reach and keeping drawers and cabinets locked. Always monitor children when there is a risk of burns.
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