What to do if a blister bursts?

Wet calluses with watery contents are often formed by prolonged rubbing of the skin against shoe elements. What happens to such a blister in the future? Most often it shrivels up, peels off, and the skin heals. But sometimes it happens in another way: the bubble opens, and the liquid flows out. Is it right if the blister bursts? How will this affect healing, what is the risk and what should be done?

We hasten to reassure: all troubles and undesirable consequences can be prevented if you follow the recommendations of experts.

Epidemiology

Unpleasant sensations from the fact that the blister burst, at least once in a lifetime visited every second inhabitant of the planet. This problem can occur at any age, both in men and women.

In most cases, the wound heals on its own, without negative consequences, provided that the generally accepted hygienic rules are observed.

Causes of the a burst callus

The ability to burst is not present in any corns, but only in wet or damp ones. These blisters are most often caused by wearing uncomfortable or ill-fitting shoes. Tight or overly wide toes, thick, tight backs, seams or defects in socks or tights are often the causes of a water blister.

If a blister forms on the hands, the most common cause is work without gloves, or too long persistent, but unaccustomed, labor. For example, blisters on the palms of the hands can appear after digging beds, after collecting firewood, etc.

A blister does not always burst, but only when there is a mechanical impact on it. For example, the bubble can be accidentally (or deliberately) squeezed, hooked, punctured, etc. Damage to the detached superficial epidermis, or increased pressure in the created cavity causes the opening of the callus and the flow of liquid contents.

Risk factors

Calluses appear and burst faster if a person has sensitive skin or suffers from excessive sweating.

In addition, the blister is bound to burst if the root cause of its appearance is not eliminated. For example, a blister appears when wearing problematic shoes, but the person continues to wear them: constant pressure is created on the damaged tissues, and the blister bursts.

Those with thin and delicate skin, such as infants, are most at risk. Water blisters are more likely to appear and burst in young children.

Pathogenesis

A callus that can burst is formed in this way: as a result of friction or pressure, the upper layer of epidermal tissue comes off, and the cavity formed is filled with fluid.

Bloody, clear fluid is lymph, or intercellular fluid. Its composition is similar to that of blood, but with fewer cellular elements. Lymph is more than just a liquid content: it protects and relieves irritation of the damaged skin. If it becomes cloudy, it means that a purulent infection has set in.

The most painful are bloody burst calluses from which blood is released along with lymph. Such wounds are particularly susceptible to infection, so they must be treated with special care.

Symptoms of the a burst callus

The moment when the blister bursts, it is difficult to ignore: there is a burning pain, and the place of friction immediately gets wet due to the release of a bloody liquid. And everything starts with the formation of a bubble, or a wet blister.

The first signs of the formation of a callus, which can burst, become noticeable almost immediately after their appearance. At first, a slight redness is formed on the skin, which hurts and swells. At this stage, further aggravation of the problem can be prevented by removing the cause - for example, wearing different shoes, sticking a band-aid on the damaged area, etc.

If nothing is done, the scabbed area on the skin will turn into a bubble filled with fluid. The bubble may burst at any time, and the fluid will leak out.

Most people believe that such a watery callus is not dangerous, and it is not necessary to treat it. However, there are a number of signs that you should still consult a doctor if they appear, for example:

• When the area of swelling expands, redness and pain of the burst callus;
• pain increases, pus starts to ooze out of the wound;
• body temperature's rising.

These symptoms may indicate an infection in the wound.

Situations when a blister burst on the foot, happen often: the bubble is classified as epidermal papules, which arise as a result of mechanical induced keratosis. Damaged skin can have a different morphological structure, which depends on the localization of the area, on the initial cause of the problem.

As a rule, if blisters on the heels burst, it becomes extremely uncomfortable to walk, especially in shoes. Even if the damaged area is sealed with a bactericidal plaster, the problem is not completely eliminated: discomfort, pain and burning usually persist throughout the healing period.

When the callus on the toe burst, it is necessary to stop wearing uncomfortable shoes to exclude friction of the already damaged skin. It is good if the opened bubble will not be covered with anything - neither socks nor shoes. So it will heal more quickly. The patch should also be removed periodically to allow the skin to dry out and the wound to heal.

Wet corns in children often appear because their skin is still too thin and sensitive, and even the slightest discomfort in shoes can provoke rubbing and thus the formation of a painful blister. In addition, the frequent appearance of blisters in the child may indicate a deformation of the foot - for example, flat feet, valgus curvature, etc. In this case, the baby should be taken to a podiatrist for consultation.

If the blister burst in a child, there is nothing terrible in this: the main thing is not to ignore the injury and to conduct regular treatment of the wound. Only in this way it will be possible to prevent the appearance of unpleasant consequences and complications.

Complications and consequences

If the callus has burst, it is mandatory to treat the wound. Lack of treatment can lead to certain complications:

• severe pain, inability to wear shoes or clothes;
• limitation or temporary disability, gait changes, lameness;
• Accession of microbial, fungal infection, purulent process with further unpleasant consequences.

Protracted purulent infection can be complicated by osteomyelitis, phlegmona, swelling, up to the development of sepsis.

In patients with diabetes, there is a risk of poor wound healing, with the formation of ulcers, erosions, phlegmon and deep abscesses or purulent-necrotic wounds, and even with the development of gangrene.

Diagnostics of the a burst callus

Any practicing dermatologist will determine that a callus has burst just by its appearance. Additional diagnosis may only be required if complications are suspected, such as:

• if the callus bleeds, changes, increases in size, ulcerates;
• other neoplasms or groups of growths appear near the burst callus.

Lab tests will help determine

• excessive blood glucose levels;
• glycated hemoglobin;
• antibody titers to human papillomavirus and human immunodeficiency virus.

Instrumental diagnostics is not always necessary. The need for instrumental studies appears if the patient is found or suspected of other background diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, obliterating endarteritis. In such cases, consultation of specialists of narrow profile is mandatory: endocrinologist, rheumatologist, orthopedist, phlebologist.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is carried out with chemical and thermal burns, purulent wounds, frostbite, vesicular dermatitis, allergies, endocrine pathologies.

Treatment of the a burst callus

When the callus has burst, it is necessary to immediately start treating the wound, because there is a risk of infection - for example, microbial or fungal. To begin with, it is necessary to remove shoes and socks, clean the damaged place from dust particles, moisture and dirt. As a disinfectant suitable for any non-concentrated alcohol solution, furacilin, manganese and so on. Treated wound surface is better if possible nothing to cover, as under the influence of air burst callus faster dry up and heal. However, if you are going to wear shoes and walk, you need to seal the wound with a special bactericidal plaster.

In the future, you can use for treatment, as traditional drugs, and folk or homeopathic remedies.

If the callus burst (opened) on its own, then you need to immediately take care to prevent infection of the wound:

• Wash hands with soap and water or wipe with an antibacterial wet wipe;
• clean visible dirt from the site of the burst callus (you can also use a tissue);
• take any disinfectant (hydrogen peroxide, fucorcin, any alcohol solution, iodine, etc.), treat the burst edges with it, trying not to get into the wound itself;
• dry the skin and stick a regular drugstore germicidal band-aid.

These simple steps will help to avoid infection of the wound and will also help it to heal as soon as possible.

How to treat a burst callus?

Even a small burst callus should be treated as soon as possible before it gets infected. Otherwise, the wound will take a long time to heal and will be more difficult to treat. Calluses treated within the first hour after opening will heal quickly and without negative consequences.

What can be used to treat a blister that has burst? Any antiseptic remedy will do, such as these:

• Hydrogen peroxide 3% helps to mechanically remove dirt from the wound, has a slight bactericidal effect, is suitable for the treatment of skin and mucous membranes. To clean the wound, the peroxide is poured on it, not wiped.
• Aqueous solution of furacilin (can be bought in a pharmacy in a ready-made form, or prepared by yourself from a tablet of furacilin and 100 ml of clean water). The solution is poured over the wound, then dried and sealed with a band-aid.
• Alcohol solution (tincture of calendula, chamomile, sage, propolis, solution of brilliant green or iodine). A bandage or cotton disk is moistened in the solution, carefully blot the burst callus, avoiding contact with the open wound surface.
• Chlorhexidine is a solution that has a destructive effect on bacteria, protozoa, as well as viral and fungal infection. The drug is used simply: a small amount of it is drawn into a syringe and poured over the burst callus.
• A mild solution of potassium permanganate (barely pinkish) is used for washing and irrigation of wounds.
• Fucorcin is an antiseptic agent with a characteristic red tint. It is used to treat the edges of the callus: it is convenient to use a cotton swab for this purpose.

What to put on a burst blister?

It is ideal not to smear the wound with anything other than the antiseptic solutions suggested above. This treatment will be sufficient for normal wound healing. If you still want to apply some ointment, you can pay attention to the following preparations:

• Salicylic-zinc ointment, which can be applied twice a day for two weeks.
• Levomekol - ointment is applied under a bandage, twice a day, but not more than three days in a row.
• Syntomycin ointment - used as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory twice a day.

Do not apply too much ointment, as it will prevent the burst callus from drying and healing. Restriction of oxygen access to the wound negatively affects the speed of healing.

How to heal a burst callus quickly?

If the injury is small, it can be treated quickly at home. To do this, keep the wound surface clean and treat it regularly with any of the above remedies, for example:

• salicylic, salicylic-zinc, ichthyol ointment;
• Streptocide powder;
• Rescue balm;
• Solcoseryl gel;
• Imanin is a remedy based on St. John's wort;
• Panthenol, Bepanthene;
• homeopathic Traumel ointment;
• Aloe juice or extract.

Before using any new remedy, make sure that the patient is not allergic to the drug.

Is it possible to burst a callus?

If the callus does not open on its own, causing severe discomfort, and you want to speed up healing, it can be punctured: this procedure is done very carefully, in compliance with all the rules of antisepsis. Many experts still advise to wait and do not rush things, just sticking the callus with a band-aid.

So how do you properly open a vial? Follow the procedure step by step:

• wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and treat them with antiseptic;
• clean and treat the callus - e.g. With iodine;
• take a thin needle or pin, hold it for a few seconds over a fire (for sterilization) or half a minute in alcohol;
• gently puncture the vial, keeping the needle parallel to the skin surface;
• blot up the liquid with a piece of gauze or a cotton pad;
• Treat the callus with antiseptic or sprinkle Streptocide powder on it, glue a bactericidal plaster on top.

It is necessary to repeat the treatment and change the patch 2-3 times a day: this way the lesion will heal sooner.

Medications that might come in handy

Streptocide	Antibacterial systemic drug from the category of sulfonamides, available in the form of tablets. If the callus burst, Streptocide powder is sprinkled on the wound surface, three times a day, until its complete tightening (about 3-5 days). With prolonged use, dryness of the skin in the area of application is possible.
Levomekol ointment	Combined bacteriostatic preparation. In case of burst corns, the ointment is applied directly to the wound, or a bandage soaked in the drug is applied. The procedure is carried out daily at night, for up to 4 days.
Solcoseryl	A gel that promotes wound healing (scarring). It is applied to a cleaned burst callus twice a day, until epithelialization areas are formed. Possible side effects: allergy.
Chlorhexidine	External antiseptic and antimicrobial preparation applied to a napkin and applied to the burst callus two or three times a day. Side effects: itching sensation and dryness after application.
Miramistin	A strong antimicrobial agent, it is used in the form of a solution for irrigation of the burst callus, or applying a lotion. Treatment is carried out two or three times a day, for 4-5 days. After applying Miramistin, a slight burning sensation may occur, which passes on its own within half a minute.
Eplan	Wound-healing, bactericidal anesthetic agent. A gauze napkin soaked in the preparation is applied to the burst callus and fixed. Change the dressing daily or every other day. Side effects have not been observed.

Folk treatment for burst corns

If there is no access to the necessary pharmacy drugs, you can try the recipes of folk medicine:

• When a callus bursts, honey cream is prepared. Heat honey on a water bath to 40°C, smear it on the wound and seal it with a bactericidal plaster. Repeat the procedure three times a day.
• Grind celery root on a meat grinder, add sea buckthorn oil, mix. The resulting mass is applied under a bandage at night.
• Lubricate the burst callus with laundry soap.
• Wash the wound with your own fresh urine, or the child's urine.

Herbal treatment

Many plants are characterized by excellent wound-healing and restorative properties. If the callus has burst, it is appropriate to use such herbal remedies:

• Apply ground or crushed plantain to the site of injury.
• Do warm baths with decoction of oak bark.
• Drop a few drops of burdock juice on the opened callus.
• Apply crushed yarrow leaves to the wound.
• Apply a slice of aloe leaf and fix it with a bandage or plaster.

Before applying herbs, take a good look at the injury. If there is blood or pus present, it is better to seek the help of a doctor. This is especially important if the patient is a child or a person with diabetes.

Homeopathy for a burst callus.

Traumel C ointment	Anti-inflammatory combined homeopathic preparation, which is applied to the edges of the callus up to three times a day under a bandage. Duration of treatment - until complete healing. Side effects are absent.
Discus compositum	An analgesic anti-inflammatory injectable drug that is administered intramuscularly 1-3 times a week, for one month. Side effects are rare and manifest themselves in the form of allergies to the injections.
Echinacea compositum	Immunomodulating and analgesic drug, which is administered in the form of injections of one ampoule 2-3 times a week. The duration of treatment is two weeks. Possible side effects: dyspepsia, minor skin reactions.
Ubiquinone compositum	Complex homeopathic remedy with anti-inflammatory, immunocorrective, antioxidant action. Inject one ampoule of the drug once every 2-3 days, for 2 weeks. Side effects were not noted.

Prevention

Prevention is the best way to combat wet and burst calluses. If you follow simple and accessible tips, you can keep your skin healthy for a long time and prevent the appearance of calluses and blisters.

• It is necessary to understand the importance of proper selection of shoes: they should be comfortable, high-quality, selected in accordance with the size and weather conditions. Even minimal discomfort can cause the appearance and further opening of calluses.
• New shoes can be worn gradually by applying patches in areas of possible friction. Additional silicone inserts may be used.
• It is hardly worth putting on a new pair of shoes, if you know you will have to spend a long time "on your feet".
• Do not wear closed toe shoes.
• Take steps to combat sweaty feet, practice good hygiene, change socks often, wipe and wash insoles and the shoes themselves.
• Get regular pedicures - if you don't have time to visit a salon, try doing the procedure yourself.
• That pair of shoes, which provoked the appearance of a blister, should be put away until the wound is completely healed.

Forecast

In general, the prognosis of a burst callus can be considered favorable. However, it should not be assumed that this is a trifling problem, because the development of complications is not excluded. For example, such situations require urgent medical attention:

• the skin around the callus is red and swollen;
• not only did the pain not subside, it worsened;
• increased body temperature readings;
• the wound changed color and the watery discharge became purulent.

In other cases, if the blister burst, then nothing terrible will happen: the wound heals, dead tissue peels off, and after some time from the problem does not remain and trace.