Why do burns cause blisters?
Dec 21, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Burn blisters may be caused by mechanisms such as the skin's self-protective response, thermal injury with fluid accumulation, increased skin tension, post-burn infection, or damaged nerve endings. When the skin suffers from high-temperature injury, the body initiates a protective mechanism by forming blisters to isolate the heat source. It is important to keep the wound clean and avoid rupturing the blisters to prevent infection.
Generally, blisters from burns may be caused by skin protective mechanisms, thermal damage and fluid accumulation, increased skin tension, post-burn infection, or damaged nerve endings. If discomfort occurs, timely medical attention is necessary. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Skin Protective Mechanism
When the skin suffers from high-temperature injury, the body initiates a protective mechanism by forming blisters to isolate the heat source. It is recommended to keep the wound clean and avoid rupturing the blister to prevent infection.
2. Thermal Damage and Fluid Accumulation
Inflammatory reactions caused by thermal injury increase capillary permeability, allowing fluids from the bloodstream to leak into the tissue spaces, possibly forming blisters. Generally, no special treatment is required; it is advisable to keep the blister intact for natural absorption.
3. Increased Skin Tension
Following a burn, tissue fluid exudation and inflammatory reactions cause local tissue swelling, which may lead to increased skin tension. When skin tension exceeds its tolerance, the epidermal layer may tear, forming a blister. In the early stages of a burn, immediately rinse or soak the affected area with cold water to reduce skin temperature and alleviate pain.
4. Post-Burn Infection
After a burn, the skin barrier is compromised, allowing pathogens such as bacteria to easily invade and multiply, causing local infection. Infection can lead to impaired local blood circulation and intensified inflammation, resulting in increased fluid exudation into surrounding tissues and blister formation. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain may also appear. It is recommended to use medications such as erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, or fusidic acid ointment as directed by a physician.
5. Damaged Nerve Endings
Nerve ending damage caused by burns affects sensory feedback. After nerve damage, patients may be unable to accurately perceive pain or temperature changes at the injured site, potentially overlooking the severity of the injury. This may increase the risk of blister formation and infection, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as sensory dullness or numbness. Treatment with medications such as oryzanol tablets, mecobalamin tablets, or amoxicillin capsules should follow medical advice.
It is advisable to focus on dietary regulation in daily life, consuming more protein- and vitamin-rich foods such as eggs, milk, fresh vegetables, and fruits to promote wound healing.
