How To Identify, Treat, and Cure Blisters in Children

What Are Blisters?

Blisters appear as circular, fluid-filled bumps on the skin. Blisters are very common in both children and adults. Luckily, they are relatively easy to identify and cure.

What Causes Blisters in Children?

Blisters are commonly caused by injury, allergic reactions, or infections. Specific causes for blisters in children can include:

• Thumb-sucking
• Reactions to medications
• Burns, scalds, and sunburns
• Friction or irritation
• Contact dermatitis
• Impetigo
• Viral infections (Hand, Foot and Mouth disease)
• Fungal infections

What is the recommended treatment for blisters in young children?

If your child gets a blister, it will often heal on its own. Our skin is incredibly effective at repairing itself, however there are some extra steps parents can take to ensure their children's blisters heal properly:

• Sanitize the area around the blister using soap and water
• Reduce swelling and discomfort with cold or an ice pack
• Avoid forcibly puncturing the blister on your own, this increases the risk for infection by creating an open wound
• Keep the area as clean and dry as possible, this can be especially difficult for blisters on the hands and feet
• Call your child's health care provider at any sign of infection: swelling, redness, pus, pain, fever or streaking.

If you suspect your child's symptoms are actually indicative of a more serious skin condition, speak to your child's health care provider for a clear diagnosis.