Fracture blisters are a rare condition in which fluid gets filled between the epidermis and dermis layer of the skin. Blisters are formed on a fracture site as early as 6 hours or as late as 3 weeks after injury. In some cases, it is also seen that blisters appear after the surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon may also apply trauma implants. According to the reports, blisters occur in around 3% of all fractures.

The most common location reported to have fracture blisters is the ankle and the reason for this is the closeness of the bone to the skin. It is also possible to have multiple blisters at a time. On average, fracture blisters may generally be seen within the 3 days of injury.

Let us talk more about fracture blisters in the post.

What Are the Symptoms of Fracture Blisters?

Fracture blisters are fluid-filled vesicles that are formed just below the top layer of the skin. The fluid generally has a serum or gel-like texture. Fracture blisters are generally painless and if any pain is experienced, this may be due to the injury itself. Fracture blisters are divided into two types and the symptoms experienced also vary.

Serous Fracture Blisters

These types of blisters may show clear fluid beneath the skin plus, tight, and tense skin on the top of the blister. Besides this, the partial separation of the epidermis and dermis will also be there.

Hemorrhagic Fracture Blisters

In the case of hemorrhagic fracture blisters, the fluid is blood or red in color with loose skin on the top of the blister. Here, the complete separation of the epidermis and dermis is experienced.

Hemorrhagic fracture blisters generally form after severe fractures and there may be a case where both serous and hemorrhagic blisters occur at the same time. The healing period may also vary, and it might take around 3 weeks or more to heal.

What Are the Causes of Fracture Blisters?

When a bone breaks, inflammatory compounds are released by the body as a natural response. This causes swelling or edema. Swelling puts too much strain on the blood vessels in the injured area and this compromises the natural bond between the epidermis and dermis. This results in the formation of a gap between both these skin layers, and this allows the entry of fluid into the gap. Hence, blisters appear.

How Fracture Blisters Are Treated?

The treatment of fracture blisters is provided based on the type and location. Before deciding to operate on the fracture, the doctor will allow the blisters to heal on their own.

Serous Fracture Blisters

During the treatment of serous fracture blisters, the doctor uses a sharp blade to puncture the blister and drain the fluid. After this, dressing is applied, and the blisters are allowed to heal.

Hemorrhagic Fracture Blisters

Puncturing and draining the fluid is not a solution in the case of a hemorrhagic fracture blister because the top skin is soft. Here, the entire skin above the blister is removed to drain the fluid. An antiseptic ointment is then applied, and dressing is done to prevent the infection and heal the blisters.
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