Blisters With Other Signs of Illness

Blisters can sometimes develop from an illness or a toxic reaction. Symptoms of a serious illness can include:

• Shaking chills or fever.
• Muscle or joint aches.
• A moderate to severe headache.
• A vague sense of illness (malaise).
• Abdominal cramping.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

Blisters may appear with a viral infection, such as Reference chickenpox Opens New Window or Reference shingles Opens New Window, or after a bite from a poisonous spider, such as a Reference brown recluse Opens New Window, or following a tick bite. Blisters may also occur as a symptom of a toxic reaction to a medicine. This reaction is called Reference Stevens-Johnson syndrome Opens New Window.

Your blister or blisters may not be related to another illness. You may have picked up a viral illness, such as the Reference flu Opens New Window, at the same time you got a blister. It could be a coincidence that the blister and signs of illness appeared at the same time.

You have a greater risk of developing an infection and complications from a blister if you also have other conditions, such as Reference diabetes Opens New Window or Reference peripheral arterial disease Opens New Window.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.