A blood blister occurs when the skin--particularly that of the fingers or toes--is pinched or bruised. This blister type appears with the same blister skin bubble, yet the bubble may be red or purple, as if blood is pooling in the blister. Blood blisters can be both painful to experience and to look at. Because popping these blisters too early can cause a skin infection, it is important to properly care and treat a blood blister.
Causes
A blood blister can result from a number of causes. These include trauma to the skin, such as forceful pinching, scalding or burning (such as a sunburn), exposure of chemicals or allergens to the skin or a fungal or viral skin infection. Blood blisters also can result from the gradual application of friction, such as when a new shoe rubs a blister on your foot.
Initial Treatment
When a blood blister occurs, you should not pop the blister. Instead, elevate the blister so blood can flow away from it and apply a cold pack. Although a blood blister will often drain, dry out and heal within a few days, you may wish to cover the affected area with a bandage while the blister is healing.
Preventing Skin Infections
While you may take precautions not to pop the blood blister, it may burst on its own. If this occurs, make every effort to keep the top skin of the blister covering the exposed skin. You can apply an antibiotic cream to this area. If the blistered area continues to be painful, you can continually apply an ice pack to the wound. Be sure to thoroughly wash the area on a daily or twice-daily basis to ensure it is free of bacteria or other irritants.
Blood Blister Prevention
Moisture on your skin, particularly for friction-related blood blisters, is the most frequent contributor to a blood blister. Prevent these blisters by keeping your skin dry, especially on your feet. If you frequently experience blood blisters on your hands, you can wear protective gloves when engaging in an activity known to cause blood blisters, such as bike riding, weightlifting or swinging a golf club or baseball bat.
When to Seek Medical Help
While you can treat most blood blisters at home, exposure of the skin after a blood blister pops can result in a skin infection. If you experience symptoms such as persistent pain, difficulty moving the injured area or numbness or weakness in the injured area, you should have the injury evaluated by a physician.
