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What may increase your risk for a problem from a blister?

Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your body's ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.

Conditions

  • Chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe malnutrition
  • Surgery to remove the spleen

Lifestyle choices

  • Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
  • Drug abuse or withdrawal
  • High-risk sexual behavior
  • Smoking or other tobacco use

Medications

  • Antibiotics, such as penicillins or sulfonamides
  • Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
  • Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection

Diseases

  • Any disease that has caused blisters in the past
  • Cancer
  • Decreased blood flow (venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial disease)
  • Diabetes
  • Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia
  • Heart disease
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
  • Malabsorption syndromes
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Stroke
AuthorJan Nissl, RN, BS
EditorSusan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate EditorTracy Landauer
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAlexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last UpdatedMay 6, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 06, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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