Summary about Disease
Fracture blisters are tense vesicles or bullae (large blisters) that occur on the skin overlying or adjacent to a fracture. They are most commonly associated with fractures around the ankle, foot, elbow, and knee. They represent a separation of the epidermis from the dermis due to shear stress and edema following the injury. The fluid within the blister can be clear (serous) or contain blood.
Symptoms
Tense vesicles or bullae (blisters) on or near a fracture site.
Pain or tenderness around the blister.
Skin may be red and inflamed around the blister.
The blister may contain clear fluid (serous) or blood.
Causes
Fracture blisters are primarily caused by:
Shear stress to the skin due to the underlying fracture and bone movement.
Edema (swelling) accumulating beneath the skin in the area of the fracture.
These forces lead to a separation between the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine to "cure" fracture blisters. Treatment primarily focuses on wound care and preventing infection.
Topical antibiotics: May be prescribed if there is concern for infection (e.g., mupirocin, bacitracin).
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage pain.
Is Communicable
No, fracture blisters are not communicable. They are a direct result of trauma from the fracture and associated swelling, not an infectious process.
Precautions
Protect the blisters: Avoid putting pressure on the area.
Keep the area clean and dry: Gently wash the surrounding skin with mild soap and water.
Do not pop the blisters yourself: This increases the risk of infection. If the blister breaks open on its own, gently clean the area and cover it with a sterile dressing.
Elevate the injured limb: This helps to reduce swelling.
Seek medical attention: If you notice signs of infection (e.g., increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus) or if the blisters are very large or painful.
How long does an outbreak last?
The time it takes for fracture blisters to heal varies depending on the size and severity of the blisters, as well as individual healing factors. They generally start to improve within 1-3 weeks with proper care. Healing can be delayed if infection occurs.
How is it diagnosed?
Fracture blisters are typically diagnosed based on:
Physical examination: A doctor will examine the blisters and the surrounding area.
History: A history of a recent fracture or trauma.
Location: Blisters appearing on or near a fracture site are highly suggestive.
Further diagnostic testing is usually not required unless there is concern for infection or other complications.
Timeline of Symptoms
Fracture occurs.
Swelling develops around the fracture site.
Blisters appear within hours to days after the fracture.
Blisters enlarge and become more tense.
With proper care, blisters will gradually heal over 1-3 weeks.
Important Considerations
The presence of fracture blisters can sometimes delay surgical intervention for the fracture to minimize risk of wound complications.
Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection.
Large or severely tense blisters may need to be drained by a healthcare professional under sterile conditions.
Patients with diabetes or other conditions that impair wound healing may be at increased risk for complications.