Blister on finger

definition

A blister on the finger is a change in the level of the skin that appears as a fluid-filled protrusion. The blisters can arise in 3 different skin layers. You can sometimes lie deep and accordingly be "tight" or lie superficial and be "limp". In the field of dermatology, the blisters are among the so-called primary efflorescences, i.e. skin changes that can be traced back to an immediate cause. Furthermore, bubbles can be further differentiated depending on their size. A bubble (lat. Bulla) that is smaller than 5 mm is called a vesicle (lat. Vesicula). The cause of a blister on your finger can vary widely. On the one hand, mechanical or chemical stimuli can cause a blister, but on the other hand blistering skin diseases can also be responsible.

causes

It is very important to determine the cause of a blister on the finger, as the therapy is designed accordingly. Most often it is one mechanical overload of the skin. Especially one selective loading at one point on the finger causes certain layers of skin to detach from one another and the resulting gap to be filled with tissue fluid. This can occur with any strain on the fingers beyond the usual extent. Be it in everyday life or through sporting activities.

In addition to the mechanical component, chemical stimuli or Burns cause blistering. You can also Contact allergies manifest in the form of bubbles on the finger. In this case, it is necessary to clarify the allergens in order to avoid them in the future.

Read more about the topic here: allergy

In addition to the above-mentioned causes, which are more likely to be attributed to local manipulations and influences, there are also systemically based triggers. These include a number of blistering skin conditions. If there is any suspicion, a precise diagnosis must be carried out in order to initiate appropriate therapy. The clinical picture of "dyshidrosis" can also be behind blistering on the finger. Characteristically, however, several small vesicles appear, which are accompanied by severe itching.

diagnosis

To diagnose a blister is one first of all detailed anamnesis interview makes sense. The doctor can obtain important information here by explicitly asking about mechanical stress on the affected finger recently or about known skin diseases or allergies. In addition to blistering symptoms such as Burn or itching In addition, the diagnosis can be eczema.

Read more about the topic here: Eczema on the finger

A detailed inspection is then expedient. The condition of the bladder should be assessed. Depending on whether the bladder is flaccid or taut, conclusions can be drawn about the symptoms. Also, the one contained in the bladder should be liquid be judged whether it is clear, cloudy, purulent or even bloody. Finally, the number of bubbles should also be assessed. Is it a single bubble or is there a large number of small bubbles? If a blistering skin disease is suspected, special tests must be carried out and an immunohistological, pathological examination carried out. Also a Antibody detection can be effective. In general, one still has to assess whether it is a non-irritating, non-inflamed bladder that does not require any special therapeutic measures but can heal on its own.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a blister on the finger can vary depending on the cause. Classically, sufferers feel pressure or tension pain when the blisters are very full 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 bladder, i.e. the area that was once irritated. One thing that all blisters have in common is the fact that the fluid-filled space extends above the skin level. This is sometimes perceived as annoying and visually unpleasant. The consistency of the contents of the bladder can be clear, cloudy, purulent or even bloody.

Uncomplicated and irritable blisters caused by overuse are mostly clear. As soon as the liquid takes on a bloody, purulent consistency, an infection or an inflammatory process must be assumed. In this case, the bladder is not infrequently red and also painful. Overheating of the finger also suggests inflammation. Most of the time, the symptoms on the finger are limited locally to the bladder site. Systemic complaints such as fever usually do not occur. Depending on the cause, however, there may be other places of manifestation on the rest of the body in addition to the blister on the finger. At the end of the healing process, a horny layer often forms at the location of the blister, which protects against renewed blistering.

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What to do?

Depending on the cause of the blistering on the finger, appropriate measures must be taken. If it is a mechanical bladder that is extremely tense at the same time, the bladder can provide relief pierced in one place with a sterile needle. However, since this creates a Entry gate for bacteria is created, it is essential that the work is sterile and that the area is then adequately 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. Again, a blister plaster can be helpful in terms of a protective function. The plaster stabilizes the thin layer of skin over the bladder and gives the body time to let the bladder dry out with the help of the body's own healing processes. In addition, the plaster shields the bladder from invading bacteria or other germs. The last-mentioned aspect is very relevant in the case of blisters that have already been opened, as otherwise an inflammation can spread.

A blister plaster can also act as a kind of buffer and absorb the pressure caused by mechanical stress through the padding. If the bladder is caused by a skin disease, it may be systemic drug administration necessary.The right drug varies here according to the exact subtype of the skin disease, which must be determined by means of a precise diagnosis. If blistering occurs on the finger due to a burn or chemical irritation, a generous one is used Rinse with cold water makes sense. On the one hand, to remove the irritant and, on the other hand, to cool the area. Then, depending on the size and symptoms, a doctor should be consulted.

Duration

The time it takes to heal a blister on a finger can vary. The duration depends on the size and exact location of the bladder. Small bubbles or blisters heal faster than large bubbles. The location is relevant with regard to the stress on the bladder. On the palm of the hand, it tends to be stressed and irritated earlier during the healing process than on the back of the hand. Uncomplicated, smaller blisters can heal within a week with the right treatment.

As soon as complications arise, for example in the form of inflammation, the recovery process can spread over several weeks. It is important to protect the bladder with a blister plaster and not to stress it. This is the only way to ensure optimal regeneration. If the blister on the finger has to be treated systemically with medication, as it is a blistering skin disease, the healing process takes a comparably long time.

inflammation

Inflammatory processes should not occur in the course of blister formation and healing. The most common reason for inflammation are bacteriapenetrating through an opening of the bladder. The bubble can burst naturally if the tension becomes too great. At least as often, however, it happens that those affected have the bladder pierce non-sterile or the wound afterwards do not disinfect.

As part of the inflammation, the once clear liquid can become purulent and cloudy, which is indicative of a bacterial infection. In addition, the area of ​​the bladder may appear reddened. An increase in swelling and pain as well as a burning sensation are possible. Those affected also report overheating of the fingers. In the event of inflammation, it is advisable to consult a doctor in order to initiate appropriate therapeutic steps.

Bubble from writing

Fingers that are otherwise not used in the sense of housework or gardening, certain sports or professional activities are particularly vulnerable in phases of intensive writing. Depending on like the pen of those affected is held, a bubble forms on the respective fingers in the area of ​​the support surface of the writing tool. This is usually preceded by redness, swelling and pain in the corresponding area. The skin gets used to the irritation relatively quickly and reacts as a defense mechanism with the formation of calluses. In order to be able to continue writing despite the pain and blistering in the acute situation, it is helpful to stick a blister plaster on. This padded the bladder a little so that the pain is reduced and those affected can continue to write.

Bubble from playing guitar

Blisters on the finger are not infrequent in connection with playing the guitar. Beginners in particular complain of pain in the first few days with subsequent blistering on their fingertips.

Read more about the topic here Cracked fingertips

The reason for this is quite simply the mechanical load. The skin is not used to such irritation from the strings of the guitar, so that a bubble develops. Often the blisters heal after several days and a callus develops in the former place through regular play. This also has an influence on the formation of bubbles when playing the guitar Strength of the strings. Depending on the guitar model, the strings are harder or softer, with hard strings increasing the likelihood of blistering. Through regular play, the fingers get used to the mechanical stress and become more resistant through the formation of a horny layer.

Prick blisters on your finger?

A blister should usually not be punctured. The reason for this is the fact that the puncture site is an entry point for germs and bacteria. The hands or fingers in particular come into contact with many germ-contaminated surfaces or objects in everyday life, so the risk of infection is proportionate high is. In addition, the needle that is used to pierce the bladder itself can be contaminated with germs. Furthermore, piercing has no positive influence on the healing process. The bladder doesn't heal faster than if you don't prick it open and let the body's own healing processes work.

In addition, the skin above the bladder and the liquid it contains have a protective function that not only protects the sensitive skin below from germs, but also from pressure. If the bladder is punctured and liquid escapes, the cushioning falls away from the liquid, so that the pain increases when touched. However, if the bladder on the finger is so full that it is extremely painful and annoying, it can be opened as an exception. However, only if the prerequisites for sterile work are met, then sufficient disinfection takes place and the area is masked with a special blister plaster.