Vitamin C is a common vitamin supplement taken daily to help strengthen the immune system, but for some people taking a vitamin C supplement may cause skin blisters. Skin blisters from using a vitamin C supplement are most likely the result of an allergic reaction, triggering an outbreak of eczema. Eczema is a general term for skin rashes that are identified by blister-like formations filled with liquid. Eczema blisters may form after an oral dose or from touching the supplement with your skin.
Vitamin C Allergy
Because most vitamin supplements are made with synthetic ingredients, you may develop an allergic reaction by taking the supplement but not when you eat foods that naturally contain vitamin C. If you're allergic to the supplement, your immune system is hypersensitive to the ingredients in the supplement. The body identifies the supplement as an intruder and unleashes antibodies, histamine and other chemicals to fight off the supplement. Allergic reactions to vitamins commonly cause a stuffy nose, sneezing, skin rashes, headaches, asthma, itchiness, asthma, wheezing and runny nose, according to Tree.com.
Ingested Reaction
If you develop skin blisters from ingesting vitamin C, the blisters are the result of histamine levels increasing in your skin. Histamine causes your blood vessels to dilate, leading to irritation, swelling and inflammation. If you've been diagnosed with eczema, an allergic reaction can trigger a flare-up. Eczema develops as small blisters that look like pimples but are filled with fluid that can crack, weep and crust over. Eczema is extremely itchy and causes patches of your skin to appear leathery and scaly, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Contact Dermatitis
Blisters can also develop from touching vitamin C supplements. This rash is called contact dermatitis and is localized to the area of skin that is exposed to the supplement. Contact dermatitis blisters don't always appear immediately but may take up to one to two days before the blisters develop. The most common treatment for this skin reaction is to wash the affected area and apply hydrocortisone cream to alleviate swelling and itching. In extreme cases, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid lotion.
Consideration
If you're diagnosed with an allergy to vitamin C supplements, you can increase the amount of vitamin C through your diet. MedlinePlus states that foods that are rich in vitamin C include kiwi fruit, pineapple, mango, watermelon, strawberries, green peppers, broccoli, winter squash, tomatoes and potatoes.
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