Direct skin contact with a heat source above 50 degrees causes tissue damage. The reason for this is the low thermal conductivity of the skin. If the burn affects not only the epidermis but also the top layer of the dermis, burn blisters form that are filled with fluid.
What is a burn blister?
A burn blister is a burn of II degree. It occurs between the epidermis and the corium. The skin over the blister is taut and stable. It is also filled with tissue fluid, which is also called serous transsudate. This fluid serves to cool the underlying wound. It shields the injury from external influences and prevents the penetration of germs. When a burn blister bursts, the bright red, oozing sclera is revealed. Since the receptors in burns of II. Degree are preserved, the blisters cause severe pain. Whether medical treatment is needed depends on the intensity of the pain and the size of the blister. It is not advisable to open a burn blister on one’s own initiative, as invading germs can lead to inflammation. These require treatment.
Causes
Burns are among the most common injuries in everyday life. In particular, accidents happen quickly when people are careless when handling household appliances such as irons or stove tops. Typical triggers of burn blisters are touching heated liquids such as water or oil and direct contact with hot objects. Another possibility is heat buildup due to friction. This is often the case in motorcycle accidents, for example, when the rider slides across the asphalt as he falls. At temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees, protein denatures and the heat destroys the tissue cells. Due to the skin’s lack of conductivity, local heat effects cannot spread quickly enough. The heat therefore remains in one place for too long and damages the skin. The body forms burn blisters to protect the injured area and prevent infection.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
A burn blister occurs when the skin is burned so that a blister is formed. Of course, this phenomenon is associated with typical symptoms that are characteristic of a burn blister. These include, for example, a permanent burning sensation that will occur immediately after the burn. However, immediate cooling of the affected area can provide relief. Under certain circumstances, the burn blister may enlarge considerably within a short period of time. If the pressure inside becomes too great, the burn blister will burst and the fluid will escape. This process is usually associated with a strong burning sensation, as there is now an open wound. In this context, further discomfort can occur if inflammation of this open wound occurs. Bacteria can settle and pus fluid is formed. Who leaves this clinical picture without medical and medicamentous treatment, takes a big risk. Therefore, in such a case, a visit to the doctor should not be put off. In the subsequent healing process of a burn blister, a strong itching] may also occur. However, this typical symptom indicates that the skin will regenerate completely and soon.
Diagnosis and course
Diagnosis is made, on the one hand, by talking to the patient and, on the other hand, by examining the burn wound. If the patient is unresponsive due to an accident, for example, the physician recognizes a burn blister by its typical appearance. While blisters caused by severe sunburn appear colorless, a burn blister is yellowish. This is due to the color of the wound fluid. In addition, the filled blister yields to pressure but does not burst. The surrounding skin is reddened. Burn blisters usually heal without leaving scars. However, pigmentary abnormalities may occur in the affected areas. If neither the patient nor the doctor opens the blister, it will open by itself after a few days. A new, intact skin surface can be seen underneath, which is still sensitive but usually heals quickly. The healing time is between two and three weeks. Here, it depends on the severity of the burn and the size of the blister.
Complications
Burn blisters are usually harmless and resolve on their own within a few days. Complications can occur if the burn blister bursts before wound healing is complete.When the burn blister bursts, germs can get onto the sensitive dermis and cause infections and bacterial inflammations. Due to the already weakened tissue, it can take several weeks after a renewed inflammation for the burn blister to heal completely. Complications can also arise from pressing around the burn blister, as this delays the healing process and increases the risk of pathogens getting under the skin. Burn blisters at the typical stress points can cause tension and misuse of the muscles, which in turn causes pain and overuse. Larger burn blisters carry the risk of permanent skin changes, and viral or bacterial skin infections can also form quickly. Complications can also arise when treating burn blisters. For example, home remedies such as ointments or greases can lead to infection, while band-aids slow natural wound healing. In addition, if sterile tools are not used when lancing the burn blister, scars can form. To avoid complications of this type, burn blisters should always be opened by a primary care physician and treated with regard to the cause.
When should you go to the doctor?
If the burn blister is small, there should be no complications. However, this can change if the unprotected burn blister opens. There is a similar risk if the affected person opens the burn blister himself and bacteria or dirt get into it. In this case, the wound may become inflamed. In addition, tetanus is possible. A tetanus shot should be considered for a contaminated burn. It is best for the affected person to leave the burn unopened until it has dried up. Complications are more likely with large burn blisters. The deeper the layers of skin under the burn blister are damaged, the more problematic it can become. Also, where the burn blister formed is important. Friction or pressure on the burn blister increases the chances of complications. If a burn blister covers a larger area, a doctor should always be consulted. Burned skin is predisposed to inflammation. A doctor makes the assessment of whether a large burn blister needs to be opened or treated to avoid complications. He or she can tell whether or not a scar will form. That being said, doctors can gauge how deep the burn goes. On the one hand, in the case of extensive burns, shock, and on the other hand, a loss of fluids can lead to complications. In addition, if there is a lack of sterility, there is a risk of sepsis.
Treatment and therapy
There are several first aid measures for burn blisters that must be followed. First, the affected area must be exposed. Clothing fabric retains heat and aggravates the symptoms. Since blisters often take several hours to develop, cooling can prevent blister formation. Running water at temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees is ideal for this. This also applies if a blister has formed directly. Cooling with ice should be refrained from, as the temperature difference further damages the skin. The same applies to rubbing with home remedies such as flour or grease, as they complicate further medical treatment. By opening the blister, protection against germs is lost, which can lead to inflammation. Only the intact burn blister can prevent bacteria from entering. If a visit to the doctor is necessary, he will resort to various treatment options. Puncturing the burn blister is possible. In doing so, the doctor withdraws fluid from the blister to reduce tension. The skin over the injury is thus preserved, although germs can also enter the wound with this method. The most commonly used option is to prescribe a painkiller and a cooling ointment. In this case, the doctor simply applies a hydroactive wound dressing and waits for the burn blister to dry up naturally. With this method, regular changing of the dressing or plaster is important to help the wound heal. If the blister is already open, the wound must be rinsed and cleaned beforehand.
Outlook and prognosis
The outlook and prognosis for a burn blister can vary widely, as various complications can occur in association with a burn blister. Normally, an existing burn blister should recede and heal completely within a few days. A prerequisite for this is, of course, strict cleanliness and hygiene, which must be given.However, some complications can also arise in this context. It is not uncommon for such a burn blister to fill with pus or blood, so a doctor must be consulted as soon as possible. If a burn blister filled with pus or blood is not treated by a doctor, the bacteria and viruses it contains can enter the human bloodstream. This can lead to a dangerous infection or blood poisoning, posing an acute danger to life. Accompanying symptoms of this infection and blood poisoning can be a general feeling of malaise, an elevated temperature, vomiting or even prolonged nausea, which negatively affect the overall course of the disease of a burn blister. In order to avoid these concomitant symptoms and complications, medical and drug treatment should definitely be provided. This can positively influence the prospect and prognosis of a quick recovery.
Prevention
To prevent burn blisters, prudent use of household appliances is essential. If burns do occur, the affected person should cool the areas immediately. Cold water will relieve the pain and may prevent the formation of a burn blister, if necessary.
= Aftercare
A small burn blister usually does not require special aftercare. However, larger burn blisters and those that have injured deeper layers of the skin may require aftercare. The consequences of a burn blister depend on the extent and depth of the burn. The location of the burn blister may also require follow-up care. In many cases, the affected person can take care of the burn blister himself. Superficial burn blisters usually heal after a while without any consequences. Healing can be accelerated with aloe vera gel. Larger burn blisters can become inflamed after opening. They can water and fester. The skin that grows back can be tense or sensitive to UV radiation for a long time. Therefore, depending on the symptoms, aftercare consists of protecting the healing wound or applying sunscreen appropriately often. If deeper skin layers have also been injured, aftercare should be left to a physician. Weeping and bleeding burn blisters that do not close usually require expert care. Aftercare may include covering the burn blister if it is exposed to chafing from clothing. Surgical procedures or skin grafting may be necessary for very deep and improperly treated burn blisters. Medical follow-up is indicated for a burn blister that is acidic, extensive, or deep. Self-treatment may be contraindicated in this case.
What you can do yourself
A burn blister does not necessarily need to be treated by a doctor. Various self-help tips and home remedies reduce the symptoms and speed up the healing process. First, cool the affected area under running water and provide fresh air. If dirt has gotten into the wound, the burn blister must be disinfected with suitable tools and bandaged with a burn plaster. If no emergency kit is available, vinegar or distilled alcohol can be used for disinfection. Closed burn blisters can alternatively be treated with curd or yogurt. In the next few days, the burn blister can be treated with aloe vera to reduce scarring. For mild burns, potato juice or honey also helps. A home remedy for the pain is cold tea bags applied to the skin like a compress. Anti-inflammatory teas such as black or chamomile tea are ideal. Opened burn blisters should not be treated with home remedies, ointments or powders, as this can lead to inflammation and the like. If the burn blister does not heal within a few days despite the above measures or causes severe pain, a visit to the doctor is recommended. With larger burn blisters should go directly to the family doctor.
