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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Small Blisters On The Forearms

I have a cluster of 7 small blisters on my left forearm that I noticed about a week ago. I opened them and treated them with rubbing alcohol and a clear zinc compound, but I have 2 new blisters in the past two days. I think I shouldn t have opened them, and that they should be covered with a bandage and not touched. Is that correct? And what could cause this?
Wed, 30 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi there,

The cluster of blisters that you have described sounds to me like a herpes simplex infection. It commonly causes cold sores or genital herpes, depending on which type of herpes simplex virus, but it can also happen anywhere else on the body.

You are right in realising that it was probably not a good idea to rupture the blisters. It causes two things, the first is the risk of spread from the infected fluid, not just to other areas on your body, but to other people as well. The other thing is that it opens up a wound and makes it more likely to get secondarily infected by normal bacteria on your own skin.

Cover the area with plain gauze, and try to get your hands on some antiviral cream like acyclovir. It is not essential, but helps to dry up the blisters faster, and reduces spread to your close contacts. Even if untreated, it does resolve on its own if you have no other health problems. However, note that the virus is dormant in your body for the rest of your life, and has the risk of recurring again if you are unwell and your immune system is down.

Hope this helps, and please let me know if you have further questions.

Regards,
Dr. Teh
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Suggest Treatment For Small Blisters On The Forearms

Hi there, The cluster of blisters that you have described sounds to me like a herpes simplex infection. It commonly causes cold sores or genital herpes, depending on which type of herpes simplex virus, but it can also happen anywhere else on the body. You are right in realising that it was probably not a good idea to rupture the blisters. It causes two things, the first is the risk of spread from the infected fluid, not just to other areas on your body, but to other people as well. The other thing is that it opens up a wound and makes it more likely to get secondarily infected by normal bacteria on your own skin. Cover the area with plain gauze, and try to get your hands on some antiviral cream like acyclovir. It is not essential, but helps to dry up the blisters faster, and reduces spread to your close contacts. Even if untreated, it does resolve on its own if you have no other health problems. However, note that the virus is dormant in your body for the rest of your life, and has the risk of recurring again if you are unwell and your immune system is down. Hope this helps, and please let me know if you have further questions. Regards, Dr. Teh