Bullae: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Bullae?
Bullae are usually treated by a dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin diseases. Large or repeated blisters often start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a dermatologist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are bullae?
Bullae are large blisters on the skin. A blister is a fluid-filled sac on the outer layer of your skin. Blisters form because of rubbing, heat, or diseases of the skin.
Smaller blisters are called vesicles, and larger ones are called bulla (the singular of bullae). Blisters are most common on the hands and feet, but they can form anywhere on the body.
Symptoms
The main sign is a raised, fluid-filled blister on the skin. What you feel depends on the cause:
- Pain, especially in blisters caused by rubbing or burns.
- Itching, common with allergic reactions and eczema.
- Redness or swelling of the skin around the blister.
Signs of infection need prompt care. These include pus draining from the blister, or skin around it that is red, swollen, warm, or very painful. Fever with a blister also needs medical attention.
Causes and who gets it
Common causes of blisters include:
- Friction, which means rubbing or pressure on one spot, such as from shoes that do not fit.
- Burns, sunburn, and frostbite.
- Eczema, a condition that makes skin dry and itchy.
- Allergic reactions, including poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
- Autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus, in which the body's defenses attack its own skin.
- Epidermolysis bullosa, an illness that makes the skin fragile.
- Infections such as varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox and shingles, herpes simplex, which causes cold sores, and impetigo, a skin infection.
Anyone can get bullae. People who spend time on activities that rub the skin, or who have one of the conditions above, are more likely to get them.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor looks at the skin and asks about your history. The doctor will want to know if you had friction, heat, a new medicine, or contact with something that irritates your skin. Finding the cause guides the treatment.
Treatment
Most blisters heal on their own in one to two weeks. The skin over the blister helps keep out infection, so leave it alone when you can. Treatment steps include:
- Cover the blister loosely with a bandage to keep it clean.
- Stop the rubbing, heat, or other cause.
- Use padding to protect blisters in pressure areas, such as the bottom of the feet.
Do not pop a blister, because that can lead to infection. If a blister is large and very painful, a doctor may drain it with a sterile needle. Afterward, wash the area with soap and water, apply petroleum jelly, and keep the roof of the blister in place to protect the raw skin.
Some conditions that cause blisters, such as pemphigus, are diseases that need a doctor's care. If you have several blisters and cannot figure out what is causing them, get medical care.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if a rash spreads across your body, or your skin blisters or peels, after an infection or after starting a new medicine. Also call 911 for trouble breathing or talking, or a swollen or sore mouth, face, lips, tongue, throat, or eyes. For other blisters, contact your health care provider if the blister looks infected, meaning it is draining pus, or the area around it is red, swollen, warm, or very painful. Also get care if you have a fever, you have several blisters without a clear cause, or you have health problems such as diabetes or poor circulation. Get care as soon as you can if a blister becomes infected, so the infection does not spread.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This kind of doctor can look at a new blister, treat simple causes, and refer you to a dermatologist when a skin disease is suspected.
Common questions
Should I pop a bulla?
No. Avoid popping or draining a blister, because this can lead to infection. If a blister is large and very painful, it may be necessary to drain it. A doctor can do this with a sterile needle, or you can follow careful first-aid steps if needed.
How long do bullae take to heal?
Most blisters heal on their own in one to two weeks. Do not go back to the activity that caused the blister until it has healed.
How can I prevent friction blisters?
Wear shoes that fit properly, and always wear socks with your shoes. Wear gloves or protective gear on your hands when you use tools or sports equipment that cause rubbing. You can also use soft bandages, powder, or petroleum jelly on areas that rub.
When is a blister a sign of something serious?
A blister is serious if it comes with a rash that spreads across the body, peeling skin, or trouble breathing, so call 911 for those signs. Get medical care if a blister drains pus, or the skin around it is red, swollen, warm, or very painful. Fever with a blister is another warning sign. Several blisters with no clear cause also need a medical check.
Sources
- NHS - Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- MedlinePlus - Blisters
- American Academy of Dermatology - How to prevent and treat blisters
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
