A blister is an accumulation of fluid called plasma or serum and can also be filled with blood and pus, especially it gets severely infected. Blisters are formed when the skin gets infected with too much rubbing, sudden exposure to heat and cold, chemical reactions or frictions. The fluid gets collected within the epidermis or the top layer of the skin, as well as the bottom.
Causes of white blister on lip
- Too much of friction can also cause blisters, especially on the lips. This also happens when one is out for a long time in harsh environmental conditions or a sudden change in environment. Also blisters are more easily formed on the moist areas so people with oily skin, are also more prone to having blisters on lips since they tend to collect moisture easily. Such a condition enhances in warm weather, sometimes leading to ulcers, infections etc.
- Blisters on lips are also caused due to problems with the digestive system. In fact ulcers inside the mouth are also a manifestation of this condition. Too much acidity or indigestion causes pus-filled blisters.
- Sometimes burning of the skin also causes blisters varying in intensity depending upon the degree of burn.
- When the skin is exposed to certain chemicals present in products ranging from cosmetics to detergents, sometimes the reaction may be unfriendly also known as “contact dermatitis”. Chemicals mostly present in such products are nickel sulfate or Balsam. And their effects could be really painful.
- White blisters on the lips can also become blood blisters when the little blood vessel near the skin area breaks and causes the blood to leak into the rupture between skin’s layers. If the skin is aggressively rubbed, pinched or squeezed then the condition can worsen.
- Even chickenpox, eczema, bullous pemphigoid, (especially among the ones over 60 years old), herpes etc causes blisters to develop. In Dermatitis herpetiformis the blisters get itchy and can be more in number.
- Blisters can also be called as canker sores and can also occur among individual because of stress or changes in the immune system. Deficiencies of vitamins such as B1, B2, B12, B6, iron, and zinc can also lead to sores. Irritation, injuries, or infected tissues are another reason too.
- Hormonal changes and food allergies are among the most underestimated causes.
Symptoms
- Painful red spot/s, bump with signs of developing into an ulcer.
- White or yellow center filled with pus.
- 1/3 inches in size.
- As healing starts, the color turns grey.
- Sometimes it could also bring in a mild fever with a certain discomfort and malaise.
- The pain often stays for a week, but if the blister is severe it can take up to an average of 15 days.
Taking care and treatment
- In most of the cases the blisters go away on their own, provided they are not touched, squeezed or pinched repeatedly.
- One also must try to stay away from hot, spicy or other pain causing food.
- Over-the-counter medical options are also a good choice in reducing the pain.
- A mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water can be applied to the affected area with a mild cotton swab.
- A little amount of magnesia milk can also be applied. This can be done three to four times a day.
- A Benadryl liquid or the ones with chlorhexidine will also prevent the sores.
- For severe blisters one might also get recommended stronger medicines such as corticosteroids consumed in the form of a pill.
- Although the pain decreases in a few days, the symptoms could take a week or two to disappear.
- However if the sores or blisters do not go away or if the pain worsens then one must consider medical care.
- One must also not panic if the blisters appear again, however with a considerate time gap since one gets them two to three times in a year.
- It is also very important that in the absence of a medical expert the blisters should not be touched repeatedly as it increases the pain and the infection. Some people also use sharp tools such as needles to pierce the blisters which are extremely harmful as it could bring in a reaction with serious consequences.
