Symptoms
The symptoms of a blister on the finger can vary individually depending on the cause. Classically, patients with very full blisters feel a pain of pressure or tension due to the stretching of the skin. If the blister on the finger is due to mechanical stress, the pain can also be felt at the base of the blister, i.e. at the once irritated area.
A common feature of all blisters is the fact that the liquid-filled space extends beyond the level of the skin. This is sometimes perceived as disturbing and visually unpleasant. The consistency of the blister contents may be clear, cloudy, purulent or even bloody.
Uncomplicated and non-irritating blisters caused by overstrain are usually clear. As soon as the fluid takes on a bloody, purulent consistency, an infection or an inflammatory event must be assumed. In this case the bladder is often reddened and also painful.
Overheating of the finger also indicates an inflammation. In most cases, the symptoms on the finger are locally limited to the area of the bladder. Systemic complaints such as fever usually do not occur. Depending on the cause, however, it is possible that there are other manifestations on the rest of the body besides the bladder on the finger. At the end of the healing process, a horny layer often forms at the site of the bladder, which protects against the formation of a new blister.
Do what?
Depending on the cause of blistering of the finger, appropriate measures must be taken. If the blister is mechanically caused and at the same time extremely tense, the blister can be punctured at one point with a sterile needle to relieve the pressure. However, as this creates an entry port for bacteria, it is essential that the work is carried out under sterile conditions and that the area is then sufficiently disinfected and sealed with a plaster.
Special blister plasters are suitable for this. If the filling level is low and the bladder is not perceived as annoying, the best option is to simply let the bladder heal in peace. A blister plaster can also be helpful here with regard to a protective function.
The patch stabilises the thin layer of skin above the bladder and gives the body time to allow the bladder to dry out using the body’s own healing processes. The patch also shields the bladder from invading bacteria or other germs. The latter aspect is particularly relevant when the bladder is already open, as otherwise an inflammation can spread.
A bladder patch can also act as a kind of buffer, absorbing the pressure caused by mechanical stress through the padding. If the bladder is caused by a skin disease, systemic medication may be necessary. The correct medication varies according to the exact subtype of skin disease, which must be determined by means of precise diagnostics.
If a blister formation occurs on the finger due to a burn or chemical irritation, a generous rinsing with cold water is recommended. On the one hand to remove the irritant and on the other hand to cool the area. A doctor should then be consulted, depending on the size and symptoms.
