Q: What are these blisters that are appearing all over my body?
A: Having blisters (or vesicles) all over the body can have several possible causes. For instance:
- Diseases caused by viruses, like chickenpox, measles, or rubella. If this is the case, these blisters tend to appear suddenly, spread quickly throughout the body, and will also disappear within a few days or weeks.
- Allergies to food, medicine, or other substances. Blisters all over the body can also be due to allergies, for example, if you’ve taken medication that your body reacts adversely to.
- Other infections like syphilis, which is an STD. Are you at ‘high risk’ for STDs?
- There are also skin problems, particularly in parts of the skin responsible for sweating, that can cause rashes. Some of these are found only on the hands and feet.
Q: How can I get rid of these itchy blisters scattered all over my body?
A: Because there are many different causes of blisters, merely knowing that you have them isn’t enough for me to provide a diagnosis and treatment. Instead, a doctor needs to examine the blisters and relate them to other symptoms. If you see a dermatologist, they will also want to know when the blisters started, which part of the body they first appeared on, and what triggers their appearance. They will also ask details about medications you take, any topical treatments you use, and your sex life. Only after this can they have an idea of what it might be and provide a solution.
If your blisters are due to a virus, they might disappear on their own. If they’re allergic reactions, they can go away if you avoid the triggering agent. While you haven’t seen a doctor yet, taking over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine and cetirizine might help relieve itching.
Tiny blisters on the lips and other parts of the body. What is it?
Q: Good evening, doc. I am Jane. I have tiny blisters on my lips and other parts of my body. I am scared because it hasn’t been a month since my last sexual contact with my boyfriend. Where can I get a check-up? I want to have a blood exam to be sure. They are very itchy and tiny… they don’t have any fluid or pus, just really itchy. It’s been 5 days since these blisters started appearing… please, doc, help me.
A: Again, there can be many reasons for what you described, and a doctor needs to see and examine the blisters to get an idea of what it might be. I advise you to see a dermatologist or another doctor as soon as possible.