Blood blisters are described as an elevated piece of skin with blood inside. Most are relatively harmless and subside in a few days without treatment.
Characteristics
Blood blisters appear the same way as a friction blister. The blisters vary in size and manifest as a pocket of elevated skin. A friction blister is filled with clear fluid. As for a blood blister, the pressure damages the blood vessels which seeps blood that mixes with the clear fluid.
The blood inside the blister might be red or even purplish or black in appearance. Essentially, a new blood blister appears red and turns into a deeper shade over time.
Blood blisters can form on any part of the body that is under pressure such as:
- Feet
- Mouth
Blood blisters are generally left alone to allow them to heal, usually after 1-2 weeks. - Near the joints
- Hands
- Bony regions such as the toes, heels or balls of the feet
A blister might also form after the skin was pinched but does not break open.
Management of blood blisters
Blood blisters are generally left alone to allow them to heal, usually after 1-2 weeks. The blisters heal since new skin forms beneath the raised layer. After days or weeks, the fluid in the blister dries out.
Make sure that the blister is protected as it recuperates. It is recommended to cover it with a bandage. If the blister is painful, apply an ice pack wrapped with a towel. In some cases, pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can lessen the discomfort.
Do not attempt to lance the blister. Remember that the elevated skin provide protection from bacteria. In case the pressure from the blood blister is painful, a doctor should be seen since it might require drainage.