Why Do We Get Blisters?

What You'll Learn

• Blisters are bubbles of fluid that form when skin is rubbed or burned
• The fluid inside is called plasma, and it cushions the skin underneath
• Blisters are your body's way of protecting hurt skin while it heals
• You should not pop a blister because it can let germs in

Words to Know

Blister

A small bubble of fluid that forms on skin

"A blister formed on my heel."

Friction

Rubbing back and forth

"Friction from my shoe caused the blister."

Plasma

The clear fluid inside a blister

"The blister was filled with plasma."

Heal

When your body fixes itself

"The blister helped my skin heal."

Check What You Learned

Fun Facts

• Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form between layers of skin due to friction, heat, or chemical irritation

  Source: American Academy of Dermatology

• The fluid inside is serum/plasma, which cushions and protects damaged tissue underneath

  Source: Mayo Clinic

• Blisters act as a natural bandage, protecting the wound from infection while new skin forms

  Source: AAD

• Popping blisters increases infection risk because the protective roof is removed

  Source: Cleveland Clinic

• Friction blisters commonly form on feet and hands from repeated rubbing

  Source: AAD

• Heat blisters (burn blisters) form from thermal damage to the skin

  Source: National Library of Medicine