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Blisters
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Blisters due to burns are
covered in another section. |
Friction Blister
Scenario:
Mountain bike blisters are usually on the hands, from fighting the handlebars through
rough terrain. Wearing gloves helps avoid them, of course. Foot and toe blisters from
ill-fitting shoes are the most prone to complications. Moleskin can help prevent blisters
on areas prone to rubbing, such as the heel.
Description:
A blister occurs when the outer (epidermis) layer of the skin separates from the fiber
layer (dermis). The skin will regrow from underneath. The loose skin is dead. Blisters can
occur from heat, frostbite, chemical injury, or friction. Unless infection occurs,
blisters usually heal quickly.Broken friction blister on the
palm. |
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See the doctor if:
the blister is unusually large (bigger than a thumbprint on the hand)
a ruptured blister has foreign matter contamination
the blister is in a critical area (face, genitals)
Immediate care:
Whether you should leave the blister or snip it away depends on where it is: Will there be
pressure on the blister? Will there be chafing? In general, a friction blister is most
comfortable if you leave skin intact over it. If the blister is uncomfortably tight, or if
its location means it will have pressure on it as you work, you may need to let the fluid
out.Typical biker's handlebar blister at the base of the
thumb, facing the index finger. This blister has already popped. After cleaning, we apply
an antibiotic ointment. |
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You should either leave the blister alone, or open it completely. Don't
stick a pin in it (this commonly causes infection). If you plan to open the blister, clean
the area with Betadine. Cut at least half of the blister open. Apply antibiotic ointment.
Now plaster the flap back into position. Apply a dressing that puts light pressure on the
blister area. The skin is left in place to protect the
sensitive basement layer below. Using the ointment as "glue," the flap is
smoothed back in place. |
The blister must be protected from further
trauma. While a bandaid (as shown) can protect an office worker, a biker needs more robust
protection. Fashion a dressing using a non-stick pad and roller gauze. (see section on dressings) |
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Ongoing care:
Keep the wound clean, dry, and protected from chafing and bumping. Change the dressing
every day, or whenever it accidentally gets dirty. After two days, you can resume washing
(but always put a dry bandage on afterwards). When the wound looks like normal skin and
feels like normal skin you can stop bandaging. Expect about 7 to 14 days for healing. The
old skin can be snipped
off when you're sure the area is healed.
Watch for:
See the doctor if there is redness around the wound, red streaks, swelling, drainage,
fever, tender bumps in the groin or armpit upsteam from the wound, or an unexplained
increase in pain or tenderness. See section on infection.
Blood Blister
Description:
A blood blister usually develops following a smashing or pinching injury. There's a small
skin injury that pumps blood between the skin layers, raising up a blister of blood. If
there are no other signs of a severe injury, blood blisters can usually be treated at
home.Blood blister caused by pinching the thumb between the
chain and the cassette teeth while working on the bike. |
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See the doctor if there is:
persistent severe pain
inability to use the injured part
numbness or unexplained weakness
Immediate care:
Leave the blister alone. Elevate the injured area. Apply a cold pack. When pain subsides,
apply padding or a splint to protect the injured area.
Ongoing care:
Keep the wound clean, dry, and protected from chafing and bumping. Change the dressing
every day, or whenever it accidentally gets dirty. After two days, you can resume washing
(but always put a dry bandage on afterwards). When the wound looks like normal skin and
feels like normal skin you can stop bandaging. Expect about 7 to 14 days for healing. The
old skin can be snipped
off when you're sure the area is healed.
Watch for:
See the doctor if there is redness around the wound, red streaks, swelling, drainage,
fever, tender bumps in the groin or armpit upsteam from the wound, or an unexplained
increase in pain or tenderness. See section on infection.
[First Aid Index Page]
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