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What Are the Causes of Blister Skin Rash?
A blister is small, fluid-filled vesicle that forms between the upper layers of the skin due to a variety of factors. According to Lifespan, a blister that forms as part of a skin rash may be tiny, as small as the head of a pin, or much larger, up to one-half inch wide. Blisters associated with a skin rash are typically circular-shaped and filled with a serous fluid that may leak out, forming a yellow crust.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that forms when the skin comes into contact with substances that cause irritation or an allergic reaction. According to the Merck Manuals, the rash is red and itchy with clearly defined borders. Blisters may form along with the rash. Chemical irritants include nail polish removers and tanning agents used in shoe manufacture. Antibiotics and scents used in deodorants and hand lotions can cause an allergic contact dermatitis. Treatment includes removing the offending agent and avoiding the substance that causes the rash.
- Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that forms when the skin comes into contact with substances that cause irritation or an allergic reaction.
- Treatment includes removing the offending agent and avoiding the substance that causes the rash.
Poison Ivy
Symptoms of Infantigo
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Poison ivy causes an allergic contact dermatitis. According to FamilyDoctor.org, poison ivy contains the oil urushiol, which bonds to the skin with contact 1. Poison ivy is found in most places in the United States, and 50 percent to 70 percent of people are sensitive to it. The rash appears in 24 to 48 hours, initially being red and swollen and then forming small blisters. The blisters are extremely itchy, but avoid scratching as this spreads the rash. Treatment includes removing the oil with a solvent, such as Technu, and oral and topical antihistamines to relieve itching.
- Poison ivy causes an allergic contact dermatitis.
- The blisters are extremely itchy, but avoid scratching as this spreads the rash.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin rash that's common in children but can also affect adults. According to MedlinePlus, impetigo is caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria 2. It occurs where there is a break in the skin, causing a rash of small blisters filled with a honey-colored fluid that break open to show a red base. Impetigo can occur anywhere on the body. Impetigo must be treated with topical or oral antibiotics.
- Impetigo is a bacterial skin rash that's common in children but can also affect adults.
- Impetigo can occur anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox and Shingles
Itchy Skin With Pustules
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Chickenpox is a childhood disease that causes an itchy rash of small spots that first develop on the abdomen or back. These spots form blisters as the disease progresses. Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Later in life, you can develop shingles if you've had chickenpox as a child. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, shingles is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The rash typically forms first on the buttocks or trunk, following a nerve path. Initially, there's a burning sensation and then small blisters appear that last for two to three weeks. Vaccinations are available for chickenpox and shingles.
- Chickenpox is a childhood disease that causes an itchy rash of small spots that first develop on the abdomen or back.
Other Causes
Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, can infect the feet and cause an itchy rash with small blisters on the feet and toes. Dermatitis herpetiformis is an extremely itchy rash of blisters and bumps that may be associated with celiac disease. Bullous pemphigoid is a rare condition that usually affects elderly people and causes large blisters to form on the body.
Related Articles
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Poison Ivy
- MedlinePlus: Impetigo
- Facts about chickenpox. Paediatr Child Health. 2005;10(7):413-4.
- Sampathkumar P, Drage LA, Martin DP. Herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(3):274-80.
- Gladman AC. Toxicodendron dermatitis: poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Wilderness Environ Med. 2006;17(2):120-8.
- Groves MJ. Genital Herpes: A Review. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(11):928-34.
- Opstelten W, Neven AK, Eekhof J. Treatment and prevention of herpes labialis. Can Fam Physician. 2008;54(12):1683-7.
- Abreu-Velez AM. Dyshidrotic eczema: relevance to the immune response in situ. N Am J Med Sci. 2009 Aug; 1(3): 117–120.
- Banerji A. Scabies. Paediatr Child Health. 2015;20(7):395-402.
- Pereira LB. Impetigo - review. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):293-9. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142283
- Ilkit M, Durdu M, Karakaş M. Cutaneous id reactions: a comprehensive review of clinical manifestations, epidemiology, etiology, and management. Crit Rev Microbiol. 2012;38(3):191-202.
Writer Bio
Kathryn Meininger began writing and publishing poetry in 1967. She was co-founder and editor of the professional magazine "Footsteps" and began writing articles online in 2010. She earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts in biology from William Paterson University.