Blisters

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• A burn or a sunburn: Go to the topic Burns or Sunburn.
• Blisters that began after you were exposed to cold temperatures: Go to the topic Cold Temperature Exposure.
• A known or suspected insect bite or sting, spider bite, or tick bite: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites or Tick Bites.
• Blisters in or around your mouth: Go to the topic Mouth Problems, Noninjury or Toothache and Gum Problems.
• Blisters on or around your genitals and you are sexually active: Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Yes	Do you have one or more unexplained blisters and other signs of illness?
Yes	Do you think you have a skin infection?
Yes	Do you have one or more painful blisters?
Yes	Do you think that your blisters are caused by a medicine?
Yes	Do you have itchy blisters?
Yes	Do you have a broken blister that is dirty and you need a tetanus shot?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 8, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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