Blisters

Author: Mary Sun, College student writer

Blisters really hurt. I'm sure you know what I mean! You have probably gotten a blister before from playing a sport or wearing a new pair of shoes.

These activities cause friction on your skin. Friction is when two things rub against each other roughly, such as a new pair of shoes rubbing against your heel. This can generate heat and also cause the top layer of your skin to separate from the rest of your body. The top layer of skin is called the epidermis (epy-dur-mis).

The injury to your skin makes little pockets of fluid flow into the space created between the epidermis and the rest of your skin. That fluid-filled cavity is a blister. Ouch! You can also get blisters from burns that damage your skin. These are very serious.

When you get a small blister, it is probably best to leave it alone and to cover it with a bandage so that is doesn't get irritated even more. If you pop it, there is a chance for germs to get in and make you sick with an infection.

For a really big blister, you might want to see a doctor. Your doctor might decide it is best to pop your blister and drain the fluids. He or she will keep the area clean while doing so in order to keep germs away.