What causes water blisters on the skin. How to properly treat and drain water blisters. What are effective methods to prevent water blisters from forming. When should you seek medical attention for water blisters.

Understanding Water Blisters: Formation and Common Causes

Water blisters, medically known as vesicles (small blisters) or bullae (larger blisters), are fluid-filled sacs that form on the skin. These protective pads develop when the outer layer of skin is damaged, prompting the body to send blood to heal and cool the injured area. The blisters consist of blood serum without clotting agents and blood cells.

Common causes of water blisters include:

• Friction from ill-fitting shoes or repetitive motions
• Burns (heat, chemical, or sun-induced)
• Contact dermatitis or eczema
• Allergic reactions
• Exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac
• Viral infections (herpes, chickenpox, shingles)
• Skin infections like impetigo
• Frostbite

The Natural Healing Process of Water Blisters

In most cases, water blisters will heal on their own without intervention. The skin covering the blister serves as a protective barrier against infection while new skin forms underneath. As this process occurs, the fluid within the blister is gradually absorbed by the body.

To support the natural healing process and protect the blister from further friction, it’s advisable to cover it with a bandage. This simple measure can help prevent complications and promote faster recovery.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most water blisters are harmless, there are instances where professional medical advice should be sought. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Signs of infection (pus, swelling, redness, warmth, or pain around the blister)
• Development of a fever
• Multiple blisters with no identifiable cause
• Continued drainage after draining the blister
• Pre-existing conditions such as poor circulation or diabetes

Proper Techniques for Draining Water Blisters

Is it necessary to drain a water blister? In most cases, it’s best to leave the blister intact. However, if the blister is large, painful, or likely to rupture on its own, you might consider draining it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to safely drain a water blister:

1. Thoroughly wash the blister, surrounding area, and your hands with warm water and soap.
2. Apply iodine to the blister and surrounding area using an absorbent pad.
3. Sterilize a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol.
4. Carefully puncture the blister near its edge in a few spots, allowing the fluid to drain while keeping the overlying skin intact.
5. Apply petroleum jelly or a similar ointment to the area.
6. Cover the blister with a non-stick gauze bandage.

Post-Drainage Care

After draining the blister, it’s crucial to monitor the area for signs of infection. Check the site daily and follow these steps for proper healing:

• After a few days, use sterilized small scissors and tweezers to carefully remove any dead skin.
• Apply more ointment and cover the area with a fresh bandage.
• Continue to monitor for any signs of infection or complications.

Effective Prevention Strategies for Water Blisters

The most straightforward approach to preventing water blisters is to avoid the factors that cause them. However, this isn’t always possible or practical. Here are some targeted prevention strategies for different body parts:

Foot Care to Prevent Blisters

• Wear properly fitting shoes that don’t rub or cause friction.
• Choose moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry.
• Apply moleskin to areas inside your shoes that tend to rub against your feet.
• Use foot powder in your socks before putting them on to reduce moisture and friction.

Hand Protection Measures

• Wear appropriate gloves when engaging in activities that may cause friction or blisters.
• Apply powder inside gloves before use to minimize moisture and friction.

Preventing Blisters on Body, Arms, and Legs

• Choose clothing that doesn’t cause chafing or excessive rubbing.
• Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to keep skin dry during physical activities.
• Apply petroleum jelly to areas prone to friction from other body parts or clothing.

Managing Water Blisters on Legs: Specific Considerations

Water blisters on legs, often referred to as “leg leaking water,” can be particularly troublesome due to the constant movement and pressure placed on this area of the body. Here are some specific tips for managing water blisters on legs:

• Wear loose-fitting pants or shorts to reduce friction against the affected area.
• Use specialized blister bandages or moleskin patches to protect the blistered area during movement.
• Elevate your legs when possible to reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Apply a cold compress to the area to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
• Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers if discomfort persists.

The Role of Proper Footwear in Preventing Leg Blisters

Given that many leg blisters occur due to friction from shoes or during physical activities, paying attention to footwear is crucial. Here are some tips for choosing and using footwear to prevent leg blisters:

• Invest in properly fitted shoes that provide adequate support and don’t rub against your skin.
• Break in new shoes gradually to allow your feet to adjust and identify potential problem areas.
• Use specialized insoles or orthotics if you have specific foot conditions that may contribute to blister formation.
• Consider using athletic tape or blister-prevention patches on areas prone to blistering before engaging in physical activities.
• Change your socks regularly, especially during extended periods of activity or in hot weather.

Natural Remedies and Home Treatments for Water Blisters

While medical treatments are sometimes necessary, there are several natural remedies and home treatments that can help manage water blisters effectively:

Aloe Vera

Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera can be applied directly to the blister to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Ensure the aloe vera is pure and free from added ingredients that might irritate the skin.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help prevent infection in blisters. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying it to the affected area.

Green Tea Compress

The tannins in green tea can help dry out blisters and reduce inflammation. Brew a strong cup of green tea, allow it to cool, and apply it to the blister using a clean cloth or cotton ball.

Epsom Salt Soak

For blisters on feet or hands, soaking the affected area in warm water with Epsom salts can help reduce pain and promote healing. This is particularly effective for blisters caused by burns or friction.

Vitamin E Oil

Applying vitamin E oil to a healing blister can help reduce scarring and promote skin regeneration. Puncture a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the affected area.

Remember, while these natural remedies can be effective, they should not replace professional medical advice, especially for severe or infected blisters.

Understanding the Link Between Water Blisters and Underlying Health Conditions

While water blisters are often the result of external factors like friction or burns, they can sometimes be indicative of underlying health conditions. Being aware of these potential links can help in identifying and addressing more serious health issues:

Diabetes and Blisters

People with diabetes may be more prone to developing blisters, particularly on their feet. This is often due to diabetic neuropathy, which can reduce sensation in the extremities, making it easier for blisters to form unnoticed. Additionally, diabetes can slow wound healing, making proper blister care crucial.

Autoimmune Conditions

Certain autoimmune disorders, such as pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid, can cause blistering of the skin. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to blister formation.

Allergic Reactions

Severe allergic reactions, including those to medications, foods, or environmental factors, can sometimes manifest as blisters on the skin. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, or swelling.

Chronic Skin Conditions

Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can make the skin more susceptible to blistering. The compromised skin barrier in these conditions can make it easier for blisters to form in response to minor irritations.

If you notice recurring blisters without an obvious external cause, or if blisters are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there’s an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Advanced Treatment Options for Persistent Water Blisters

While most water blisters resolve on their own or with basic home care, some cases may require more advanced treatment options. These are particularly relevant for recurring blisters or those associated with underlying health conditions:

Prescription Medications

In some cases, doctors may prescribe topical or oral medications to address persistent blisters. These might include:

• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics if there’s a risk or presence of infection
• Immunosuppressants for blisters related to autoimmune conditions

Professional Drainage

For large or painful blisters, a healthcare professional may perform a sterile drainage procedure. This is particularly important for blisters in sensitive areas or for individuals with conditions that impair wound healing.

Photodynamic Therapy

In some cases, particularly for viral-induced blisters like those caused by herpes simplex, photodynamic therapy may be used. This involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the skin and then exposing it to a specific wavelength of light to destroy the affected cells.

Laser Treatment

For recurring blisters in specific areas, laser treatment might be considered. This can help reduce the likelihood of future blister formation by targeting the underlying tissue.

Specialized Dressings

Advanced wound care dressings, such as hydrocolloid or silicon-based dressings, may be recommended for difficult-to-heal blisters. These can provide an optimal healing environment and protect against further damage.

It’s important to note that these advanced treatments should only be pursued under the guidance of a healthcare professional. They will be able to determine the most appropriate course of action based on the specific nature and cause of the blisters.

Blisters with Water: Causes, Treatment, Draining, Prevention

Blisters with Water: Causes, Treatment, Draining, Prevention

• Health Conditions
  • Featured
    • Breast Cancer
    • IBD
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Articles
    • Acid Reflux
    • ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Alzheimer’s & Dementia
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Cancer
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Chronic Pain
    • Cold & Flu
    • COPD
    • Depression
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Heart Disease
    • High Cholesterol
    • HIV
    • Hypertension
    • IPF
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Psoriasis
    • Skin Disorders and Care
    • STDs
• Discover
  • Wellness Topics
    • Nutrition
    • Fitness
    • Skin Care
    • Sexual Health
    • Women’s Health
    • Mental Well-Being
    • Sleep
  • Product Reviews
    • Vitamins & Supplements
    • Sleep
    • Mental Health
    • Nutrition
    • At-Home Testing
    • CBD
    • Men’s Health
  • Original Series
    • Fresh Food Fast
    • Diagnosis Diaries
    • You’re Not Alone
    • Present Tense
  • Video Series
    • Youth in Focus
    • Healthy Harvest
    • No More Silence
    • Future of Health
• Plan
  • Health Challenges
    • Mindful Eating
    • Sugar Savvy
    • Move Your Body
    • Gut Health
    • Mood Foods
    • Align Your Spine
  • Find Care
    • Primary Care
    • Mental Health
    • OB-GYN
    • Dermatologists
    • Neurologists
    • Cardiologists
    • Orthopedists
  • Lifestyle Quizzes
    • Weight Management
    • Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
    • Are You a Workaholic?
    • How Well Do You Sleep?
  • Tools & Resources
    • Health News
    • Find a Diet
    • Find Healthy Snacks
    • Drugs A-Z
    • Health A-Z
• Connect
  • • Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    • Psoriatic Arthritis
    • Migraine
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 5, 2023

Water blisters are fluid-filled sacs on your skin. They are relatively common and will usually heal on their own. If the blister is large or painful, you may want to consider draining it.

Referred to as vesicles (small blisters) and bullae (larger blisters), water blisters can have a variety of causes.

When the outer layer of your skin is damaged, your body sends blood to heal and cool the injured area.

Part of that process is the formation of protective pads comprised of blood serum (without the clotting agents and blood cells). These serum pads are water blisters.

Some common reasons water blisters occur are:

• friction
• burns from heat, chemicals, or the sun
• contact dermatitis
• eczema
• an allergic reaction
• poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
• viral infections such as herpes, chickenpox, and shingles
• skin infections such as impetigo
• frostbite

Blisters will usually heal on their own with the skin over the blister helping to keep out infection while new skin is formed underneath and the fluid is absorbed.

To keep a blister clean and to protect it from friction, you can cover it with a bandage.

Contact your doctor if:

• the blister shows signs of infection such as pus, or the area around the blister becomes swollen, red, warm, or painful
• you develop a fever
• you have several blisters and you can’t identify what’s causing them
• you continue to see drainage after you’ve drained the blister
• you have poor circulation or diabetes

If your blister is large, painful, or likely to be aggravated and pop on its own, you might consider draining it.

To properly drain the fluid while leaving the top skin in place for shielding, there are specific steps you should take. These include:

1. Wash the blister, the area around it, and your hands with warm water and soap.
2. Use an absorbent pad to apply iodine to the blister and surrounding area.
3. Wipe a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol to sterilize it.
4. Aiming for spots near the blister’s edge, puncture it a few times with the needle.
5. Allow the fluid to drain, while leaving the overlying skin in place.
6. Spread the blister area with petroleum jelly or a similar ointment.
7. Cover the blister with a non-stick gauze bandage.

Follow-up care

1. Check for any signs of infection daily.
2. After a few days, using small, sharp scissors and tweezers — wiped with rubbing alcohol to sterilize — cut away all the dead skin.
3. Apply more ointment and cover the area with a bandage.

The general rule of blister prevention is to stay away from whatever caused the blister.

It’s overly simple, but it also makes sense: If you got blisters from getting a sunburn, spend less time in the sun (or wear more protective clothing and sunscreen).

For specific body parts, here are a few prevention tips to keep in mind:

Feet

• Wear shoes that fit properly.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks.
• Attach moleskin to the inside of your shoe where it rubs against your foot.
• Put powder in your socks just prior to putting them on.

Hands

• Wear gloves.
• Put powder in your gloves just prior to putting them on.

Body, arms, and legs

• Avoid wearing clothing thatcauses chafing.
• Wear moisture-wicking clothing.
• Apply petroleum jelly to areas that are rubbed by other body parts or clothing.

Water blisters are common and, if left alone, will typically heal on their own.

If a blister grows, becomes painful, or seems likely to be irritated, you might consider draining it using proper sterilization steps and bandaging the open wound. There are steps you can take to prevent blisters, including shoe, sock, and clothing choices.

If you can’t determine the origin of a blister, blister drainage continues after it’s been drained, or if a blister shows signs of infection, contact your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on October 12, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• 5 ways to avoid blisters and the best way to treat them. (2015).
  health.clevelandclinic.org/5-ways-to-avoid-blisters-and-the-best-ways-treat-them/
• American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). How to prevent and treat blisters.
  aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/blisters
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Blisters: First aid.
  mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-20056691
• U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2016). Blisters.
  medlineplus.gov/blisters.html

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 5, 2023

Written By

Scott Frothingham

Edited By

Claire Brocato

Oct 12, 2018

Medically Reviewed By

Alana Biggers, MD, MPH

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. D., MPH — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 5, 2023

Read this next

• How Do I Know If My Blister’s Infected?

  Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.

  Everyone gets a blister from time to time. Blisters are your body’s natural way of protecting itself from further friction and damage. They can also…

  READ MORE

• Why Are Blisters Forming Between My Toes and How Do I Treat Them?

  Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O.

  If you routinely get blisters on or between your toes, there are a few steps you can take to prevent future recurrences. Sometimes, blisters can be a…

  READ MORE

• When and How to Pop a Blister

  Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN

  You’ve probably heard that it’s best to leave blisters alone. While this is true, it’s not always practical. Read on to learn how to tell when it…

  READ MORE

• How to Use Moleskin for Blisters

  Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT

  Moleskin is a type of durable bandage made out of cotton that’s often used to protect and prevent blisters. We’ll go over how to use moleskin for…

  READ MORE

• Lime and Sun Don’t Always Mix: Beware the ‘Margarita Burn’ This Summer

  Margarita burn is a skin reaction that occurs when lime juice makes contact with the skin and is exposed to sunlight. Most reactions from margarita…

  READ MORE

• What Is Panniculitis and How Is It Treated?

  Panniculitis is a group of conditions that cause painful bumps (nodules) to form under your skin, often on your legs and feet. Learn more.

  READ MORE

• Urticaria Pigmentosa

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  Urticaria pigmentosa is a skin condition that causes lesions and itchy skin. This disease is most common in infants and children, but adults may be…

  READ MORE

• What Causes Dark Knuckles and How Can You Treat Them?

  Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. D., CAQ, FAAFP

  Dark knuckles can be caused by different skin conditions, medical conditions, genetics, and more. Learn more about the causes, treatments, and natural…

  READ MORE

• Sunburned Eyelids: What You Should Know

  Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP

  You don’t need to be on the beach for sunburned eyelids to occur. Any time you’re outside in the sun for a prolonged period of time with your skin…

  READ MORE

• Sun Poisoning

  Medically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D.

  Sun poisoning refers to a case of severe sunburn. It occurs after you’ve been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun for an extended period of…

  READ MORE

What Is Weeping Eczema?

Written by Alexandra Benisek

• What Are Symptoms of Weeping Eczema?
• What Can Cause Weeping Eczema?
• How Do Doctors Diagnose Weeping Eczema?
• How to Treat Weeping Eczema?
• How Can You Prevent Weeping Eczema?

Weeping eczema is a problem that stems from eczema where your skin oozes clear or straw-colored liquid. It can sometimes show up as small, fluid-filled blisters. Weeping eczema is common and could happen in anyone with the skin condition. But the symptoms and intensity of your weeping eczema may be different based on the form of eczema you have.

With weeping eczema, blisters will ooze and cause your skin to be wet. Once the fluid dries, it’ll cause a yellow or orange layer of crust over your skin. This usually happens in areas where eczema is common, like where your skin bends (inside your elbow, behind your knees, or on the front of your neck). But weeping eczema can happen anywhere on your body.

There are many different symptoms of weeping eczema. You might have common signs, including:

• Open sores
• Blisters
• Fluid on your skin
• Redness
• Crusting
• Itching, burning, or soreness on your skin

It’s also common for those with weeping eczema to have worsened overall eczema symptoms. They may have worse skin dryness, swelling, or itchiness. People with severe weeping eczema might also notice:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Achiness
• Chills
• Swollen lymph nodes (especially in your armpits, neck, or groin area)

The problem happens because of inflammation in your skin. Heavy swelling can lead to dilation of your skin’s blood vessels. The vessels will then leak serum into your skin’s soft tissue, which causes edema, or mild inflammation. The serum will also leak onto your skin’s surface.

When your skin dries out, cracks, or becomes inflamed, you’re more at risk for infection. This can worsen your eczema symptoms. Staph (staphylococcus), caused by bacteria, is the most common form of infection in people with weeping eczema.

If the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) enters your skin, it can also cause weeping eczema.

You can’t spread eczema or weeping eczema to other people. But if your weeping eczema is paired with a secondary infection, you could spread that to others.

If you believe your eczema is weeping, call your doctor right away. Quick treatment will help you get the issue under control and lessen any symptoms.

When you go to your doctor’s appointment, they’ll want to confirm that you have eczema first. They’ll look over your skin to check for signs of the skin condition. They may also want to do blood tests, a skin biopsy, a bacterial culture, or allergy tests to ensure your symptoms are from eczema.

Once your health care team has confirmed you have weeping eczema, they’ll want to treat it. Your therapy will depend on what caused the disorder. Your doctor might suggest you use:

Antihistamines. You can get these drugs in pill form over-the-counter or as a prescription. Many people use them to treat allergies. They can also lessen itchiness from eczema.

Corticosteroids. These are topical medications that can treat itchiness and swelling. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral steroid for eczema. Corticosteroids work by lowering the production of chemicals that lead to inflammation. This will lessen tissue damage in your body. These drugs reduce your immune system’s activity, which will also lead to less tissue damage.

Immunosuppressants. With eczema, your immune system is overactive. These drugs lower your body’s immune response and in turn, lessen inflammation.

You may need different treatment if other infections start due to your weeping eczema. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the proper medications in these cases.

To completely treat your weeping eczema, you’ll need medication. But to ease the symptoms, you can also try home remedies such as:

Baths. Colloidal oatmeal is a ready-to-use, FDA-approved soothing agent. You can take an oatmeal bath to ease symptoms from weeping eczema.

You can also try a diluted bleach bath. Use a small amount of bleach in your bath to help kill bacteria on your skin. This can help lessen itching, redness, and rough skin. Be careful to only use this method in moderation. Too much bleach can dry out your skin. Talk to your doctor about the safest way to add this to your routine before you try it at home.

Vitamins and supplements. These can help lower inflammation or help overall eczema symptoms. It may be helpful to add vitamin D, vitamin B12, and fatty acids (like evening primrose and black currant seed) to your routine.

Probiotics. These are combinations of live bacteria or yeasts that are naturally present in your body. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep you healthy. They can also help fight off bad bacteria. Experts believe that topical probiotics can help ease the intensity of eczema symptoms.

Oils. Some oils can lower inflammation, protect, and restore your skin. Try coconut, olive, or sunflower seed oil to help with eczema symptoms.

If you treat your weeping eczema right away, it should go away within 2 weeks. In really bad cases, it could cause scarring. If you don’t treat the issue, it can cause more serious problems and lead to other infections.

If you have eczema, there are things you can do to avoid infections and weeping. For the best outlook:

Keep a consistent skin care routine. Choose shampoos and washes that are free from dyes and perfumes. Moisturize your skin with an emollient cream twice a day.

Take a timeout. Lower your stress levels to prevent flares. Add more relaxing activities into your schedule or practice meditation and mindfulness.

Listen to your doctor. Follow your health care team’s suggestions about medications and supplements.

Top Picks

causes and solutions , Private Medical Club

Fluid accumulation: causes and solutions

Fluid accumulation in the body (edema) is a problem faced by many. It is not always justified in such cases to conclude that there is a disease, but this phenomenon, of course, does not apply to healthy reactions of the body either. Therefore, when edema occurs, measures must be taken. We will explain why swelling occurs and how to get rid of them the fastest.

Edema can cause organ weakness

Fluid accumulation, or edema, occurs when water leaves the blood or lymph vessels and collects in adjacent regions of the body. Edema is just a symptom that is always caused by some disease.

Edema most often appears on the legs: the legs become thick and heavy. In addition, feet and ankles often swell. The hands and face may also visibly swell due to the accumulation of fluid.

On hot summer days, high temperatures can cause the blood in the body to thicken, making the legs feel heavy and the feet slightly swollen. This phenomenon is not edema, because when the temperature drops, it disappears as quickly as it appeared.

You can find out for yourself whether the swelling is caused by edema: to do this, press your finger on the skin in the area of ​​the tumor. If it is an edema, a visible indentation will form from pressure, which will only slowly level out.

Fluid accumulation in tissues is often caused by weakness of the organs. If the swelling persists, you should consult a doctor.

Edema due to heart failure

When the heart is weakened, its ability to pump blood is impaired, and as a result, blood pressure decreases. Blood stasis occurs in front of the heart. Because of this, pressure in the veins increases, and blood plasma (water) is squeezed out through the bloodstream into the adjacent connective tissue.

If the failure affects the right side of the heart, water accumulates mainly in the legs, ankles, feet or in the abdominal cavity. In case of insufficiency of the left cavities of the heart, the lungs are affected, and life-threatening pulmonary edema can develop.

Its symptoms are wheezing when breathing, increasing shortness of breath, and blue lips and skin. If water accumulates in the lungs, immediate medical attention is required.

Edema due to kidney failure

Weakening of kidney function results, among other things, in the fact that the kidneys are not able to produce enough urine. As a result, less water is excreted from the body than is necessary, which can lead to the accumulation of fluid throughout the body.

Due to limited renal function, fewer poisons are excreted in the urine. To protect the body, toxic substances are either sent to the connective tissue or bound by an aqueous solution, which also leads to the accumulation of water.

If the weakening of the kidneys is due to damage, the kidney filtration system stops working as it should. This means that the necessary substances also enter the urine, which should be retained by small renal bodies.

These substances primarily include proteins. In particular, a large amount of albumin is excreted in the urine, which accounts for about 60 percent of the proteins dissolved in blood plasma.

In a healthy body, albumin maintains the necessary level of water in the blood. With a lack of this important protein, the osmotic pressure in the blood vessels changes, and water from them penetrates into the adjacent tissue.

Edema develops, the extent of which depends on the scale of protein loss. The more protein is excreted from the body, the more noticeable swelling.

Weakness of the kidneys reveals itself as a severe swelling of the eyelids or of the whole face. Usually these phenomena develop during the night, and they are easy to notice in the morning. During the day, swelling descends into the legs.

Special comprehensive measures have been developed for the prevention of kidney failure, which are quite within your power.

Edema due to weakness of the veins

Disease of the veins can contribute to the accumulation of water throughout the body. Depending on where the stagnation of venous blood occurs, edema may appear.

Due to the stagnation of blood in the vein, the pressure on the walls of the vessels increases so much that the plasma is forced out into the adjacent tissues and accumulates in them. This happens especially often in those patients whose vein walls have lost sufficient flexibility and stability.

Congestion can be caused by small blood clots (clots) that narrow or even block a vessel. Thrombosis develops, predominantly in the deep veins of the legs or veins of the pelvis, and large accumulations of water form.

Violations of the function of the venous valves also provoke blood stasis. The function of the valves is to ensure that the blood, contrary to gravity, rises from the legs up to the heart, and does not remain in the legs.

If the valves fail to close as they should, blood flow is disrupted and pools in the lower leg and foot. The plasma is squeezed out into adjacent tissues and accumulates in them.

Edema due to weakness of the liver

If some of the liver cells are destroyed as a result of a disease (for example, with cirrhosis), it, among other things, cannot produce enough protein.

There is a deficiency of an important blood protein, albumin, which regulates the water content in blood vessels.

When the concentration of albumin in the blood changes, too much water enters the tissues, and it accumulates in the tissues.

Edema due to weakness of the lymphatic system

Lymphoedema occurs when the outflow of filtered tissue fluid is disturbed in the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoedema: congenital dysfunction of the lymphatic system (primary lymphoedema) and acquired (secondary lymphoedema).

In the first case, there are either not enough lymphatic vessels in the body, or they are too narrow or too wide. Sometimes this disease makes itself felt already at birth, sometimes it manifests itself only during puberty.

At first, water usually accumulates in only one leg. Later, the second leg swells, and then other parts of the body.

Secondary lymphoedema is more common. It can occur due to extensive destruction of soft tissues as a result of severe trauma or inflammation. Then the lymphatic fluid stagnates in the adjacent areas, and edema forms.

However, this type of lymphoedema is especially common after breast cancer surgery with removal of the axillary lymph nodes. At first, water accumulates only in the shoulder area (up to the elbow). In severe cases, swelling covers the entire arm, including the hand.

Lymphoedema may also occur after surgical removal of a large number of lymph nodes in patients with cancer of the uterus or cervix. In this case, the legs swell.

Radiation therapy, often used for cancer in addition to medication or surgery, increases the risk of lymphedema. In this case, lymphatic vessels are often damaged, radiation can affect the outflow tract of the lymph. As a result, the lymphatic fluid stagnates, penetrates into the tissues, and water accumulates in them.

What is the treatment for edema?

Water accumulation caused by severe weakness of the heart, kidneys, or liver is usually treated with medications only.

Diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed, which are divided into 4 groups. The mechanism of functioning and the strength of the effect they have is different. But the principle of operation is ultimately the same. Diuretics stimulate the excretion of water and salts from the body through the kidneys.

If swelling is caused by weak veins, compression stockings or bandages are used first. Only with severe edema, dehydrating drugs are additionally prescribed.

Medicines should not be taken continuously

In principle, medication is necessary in severe cases. Of course, in this case, in parallel with dehydration, measures should be taken against the underlying disease, which provoked the weakness of the corresponding organ.

However, dehydration with special preparations should be done only for a limited time, as diuretics seriously affect the fluid and electrolyte balance and therefore can have many side effects.

Irregular heart rhythm, blurred vision and confusion are just some of the negative effects that these medications can cause.

Avoid mineral deficiencies

Severe dehydration caused by diuretics automatically removes vital minerals and vitamins from the body. There is a deficiency of essential substances, which, in turn, provokes other diseases.

Therefore, it is very important to fight this deficit. To do this, you need to organize a healthy diet rich in useful elements, and regularly take natural (not synthetic) preparations with vitamins and minerals.

Lymphedema is not treated with diuretics

Lymphoedema is the only type of edema that cannot be treated with medication. The fact is that the lymphatic fluid is very saturated with proteins.

Proteins, firstly, bind water, and secondly, they are resistant to diuretics. This means that they are not excreted from the body when taking dehydrating medications.

If, however, such drugs are given, the ability of proteins to bind water comes into play. To compensate for the lack of water, they take it from the extracellular fluid, which ultimately makes the success of therapy impossible.

Therefore, the main therapeutic measures for lymphoedema are manual lymphatic drainage, which stimulates the active excretion of proteins, in combination with mechanotherapy and compression treatment (compression stockings).

Water accumulation due to lack of physical activity

Fluid accumulation can occur not only due to weakness of individual organs. People who sit or stand for a long time and move little can develop venous disease, which greatly increases the risk of fluid accumulation.

Our advice: Fill your life with physical activity again. To do this, it is not necessary to buy a card to the nearest fitness club. Regular jogging or walking, trampolining, yoga and other light physical activity options are quite able to reduce the load on exhausted veins and at the same time strengthen them.

Water accumulation due to estrogen dominance

Hormonal imbalance, in which there is much more estrogen than progesterone, can also provoke edema. This problem is often faced by women shortly before menstruation or before menopause.

Fluid collections occur predominantly in the abdominal cavity. Fingers, feet, and hands may also swell. Edema sometimes appears even on the face.

Our advice: if you suspect a hormonal imbalance, take a hormone test. Even a simple saliva test can provide information about your hormonal status.

Fluid accumulation due to increased intake of proteins and salt

Salty food contributes to the accumulation of water in the body, since salt actively binds water. The same is true for protein-rich meals.

A particularly serious problem in this context is the widespread consumption of sausages and cheeses today, since without a fair amount of salt, such products are usually inedible. All varieties of sausages and cheeses contain a lot of salt. Meat also becomes tasty only if it is well salted.

The combination of large amounts of protein and salt is one of the most common causes of non-disease related water retention.

In such cases, taking dehydrating tablets is completely pointless. In any case, proteins will remain in the body and will continue to bind water – you already know about this.

Our advice: Instead of taking dehydrating medications, change your eating habits. Refrain from salt for a while and stop eating animal proteins. Soon your body will have no reason to edema.

Water accumulation due to increased acidity

Acidity in the body is a very strong predominance of acids over alkalis (alkaline minerals).

Usually alkalis neutralize excess acids and the acids are excreted through the kidneys. But this requires a sufficient supply of alkalis.

Otherwise, the body has no choice but to bind dangerous acids with an aqueous solution in order to protect the organs. For this, tissue fluid is used.

The higher the acid level, the more water is required. To the same extent, the danger of noticeable and (or) tangible accumulations of water increases.

However, if the formation of water reserves is a necessary measure to protect the organs of the body, it is wrong to take medicine to remove this water from the body.

Our tip: Detecting an increase in acidity in the body is easy: use a urine pH test strip. If they show high acidity, an exclusively alkaline diet should be established for a short time, and then switched to a diet with an excess of alkalis. However, one measurement is not enough, it is necessary to trace the dynamics of this indicator.

A course of acid elimination, carried out simultaneously with a change in diet, will accelerate the restoration of acid-base balance. Such a course contributes not only to cleansing the body of harmful acids, but also to saturation with alkaline minerals. They can neutralize the acids associated with the aqueous solution and ensure their excretion through the kidneys.

Some treatment programs include alkaline baths that stimulate the elimination of acids. With the help of alkaline baths, your body will be able to use for cleansing and the skin – the largest organ of the excretory system.

All measures to combat fluid accumulation can also be carried out in the form of lymph cleansing.

Removal of fluid accumulations by lymph cleansing

The lymph cleansing program is designed specifically for those body systems that, in the case of fluid accumulations, suffer from blockage – stagnation of the lymph. It’s about the lymphatic system.

Herbs against fluid accumulation

In both curative courses, certain herbs can serve well. Plants that have a positive effect on the lymphatic system activate the lymph flow, support the functioning of the kidneys, increase the amount of urine produced and thereby prevent the formation of fluid accumulations. Such preparations are united by the common name “aquaretics”.

The important advantages of dehydrating herbal preparations over conventional diuretics are not limited to the fact that they remove excess tissue fluid from the body. These rich preparations also contain minerals, which prevents the development of mineral deficiency in the body when minerals are excreted with water. Therefore, dehydration with the help of herbal remedies, unlike drug treatment, does not threaten demineralization.

Another serious advantage of these preparations is their wide spectrum of action. They not only remove water, but at the same time, for example, activate the lymphatic system, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and stimulate blood flow, or otherwise support the body and do not have negative side effects like conventional medicines.

13 herbs effective against edema

Here are a few herbs that have proven especially effective in treating fluid accumulation in the body.

Since they have a very diverse effect and are widely used, we will limit ourselves to only those properties that in one way or another contribute to the removal of water and the strengthening of blood vessels. Birch (Betula pendula)

Birch leaf tea increases the amount of urine produced by 5-6 times. Birch, due to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect, has long been used in the phytotherapeutic treatment of edema.

Thanks to these two properties, birch is ideal for washing the urinary tract, which is especially recommended for inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.

How to make tea

Pour a handful of finely chopped fresh birch leaves (or 2 g dried leaves) with boiling water, cover the cup and let steep for 10 minutes.

This tea is best drunk freshly brewed. During the day, it is recommended to drink 4 cups of birch leaf tea.

Please note: this tea should not be drunk if the edema is caused by cardiac or renal disorders.

Horsetail

This plant contains a lot of potassium and therefore stimulates the kidneys. As a result, the amount of urine produced increases significantly, which automatically contributes to the removal of water from the body.

Horsetail is also rich in silicon. Of course, this is useful for the whole organism, but in connection with edema, it is important, first of all, that the walls of blood vessels become stronger and more elastic.

How to make tea

Pour 2 teaspoons of horsetail into 250 ml of boiling water and let it simmer covered for 10 minutes. Then reduce the heat and leave for another 10 minutes. After that, strain.

Alternatively, you can pour boiling water over the horsetail and let it steep, covered, for half an hour.

For optimal kidney cleansing, it is recommended to drink 2 liters per day for two to three weeks.

This tea is also useful for inflammation of the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder.

Please note: this tea should not be drunk if the edema is caused by cardiac or renal disorders.

Cat’s whisker (orthosiphon)

Orthosiphon comes from Asia. The name “cat’s whisker” is associated with the shape of its flowers.

In addition to many other health benefits, it is an excellent diuretic and, due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, is ideal for washing the urinary tract.

In pharmacies you can find dried orthosiphon leaves. In the form of a ready-made tea, it is known under the names “Indian tea for strengthening the bladder and kidneys” and “Javanese tea”.

How to make tea

Pour 2 teaspoons of crushed dried leaves into a cup of boiling water. Strain the decoction after 15 minutes. During the day, you can drink 4-5 cups of this tea.

Please note: This tea should not be drunk if the edema is caused by heart or kidney problems.

Dandelion

Dandelion is an excellent rejuvenator for the whole body, but it is especially useful for connective tissue, liver and kidneys.

This herb is known for its diuretic and blood-purifying properties, primarily due to its high potassium content.

Since dandelion greatly increases the activity of the liver and kidneys and at the same time stimulates intensive fluid excretion, a 2-3 month course of this remedy is ideal.

Dandelion roots are primarily suitable for making tea, as they contain a higher concentration of active substances than leaves.

Please note: This tea should not be drunk if the edema is caused by heart or kidney problems.

How to make tea

Soak 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion root in a cup of cold water overnight. The next day, bring the tea to a boil, then strain. During the day, you should drink from one to one and a half liters of this tea.

Alternatively, pour 2 teaspoons of chopped leaves in cold water, heat and boil for 1 minute. Then remove from the stove and strain after 10 minutes.

Nettle

Nettle, like dandelion, is a very useful plant. In the fight against edema, it activates the production of urine and accelerates its excretion.

Thanks to its diuretic and anti-inflammatory action, nettle prevents the occurrence of edema and contributes to their elimination.

Method of making tea

For making tea, you can use both nettle leaves and its roots (which contain more useful substances).

8 teaspoons of freshly cut or dried leaves are required per liter of tea. They should be poured with boiling water, after 10 minutes strain – and the tea is ready. Drink it throughout the day.

To make root tea, add 6 g of nettle root to 1 liter of water, cover and heat on the stove. Leave the tea to simmer for 1 minute, then turn off the stove and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then strain the infusion and drink throughout the day.

Please note: this tea should not be drunk if the edema is caused by cardiac or renal disorders.

Sweet clover

Sweet clover acts mainly on the veins. It increases the resistance of all vessels to diseases and, in addition, prevents the increase in capillary permeability, thereby not releasing water from the vessels.

This plant is used for heavy and swollen veins, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the veins and lymphatic congestion.

Sweet clover contains a large amount of coumarin, which, in combination with many secondary plant substances, promotes vein dilation and reduces vascular permeability. This improves blood circulation throughout the body and reduces the risk of edema.

How to make tea

Pour 8 teaspoons of crushed fresh or dried herb into 1 liter of boiling water. After about 10 minutes, the tea can be strained and then drunk throughout the day.

Please note: sweet clover thins the blood, and therefore it is contraindicated for those who are already taking medications that thin the blood (marcumar, aspirin, etc.).

Horse chestnut

Horse chestnut is also used primarily for vein problems. This plant improves vascular blood flow, reduces the tendency to varicose veins and inflammation of the veins. In addition, it increases the density of blood vessels, and the fluid cannot escape through them into the tissues.

Horse chestnut stabilizes blood pressure, relieves swelling, strengthens veins and stimulates venous blood flow.

How to make tea

Pour half a teaspoon of dried horse chestnut flowers into one cup of hot water and let steep for 5 minutes. During the day, you can drink (at intervals) 3 cups of this tea.

Especially often horse chestnut is used externally as a tincture, ointment or gel.

Barbed needle

Spiny needle is very effective in helping to cope with any disorders of the veins. The substances contained in this plant stimulate the muscle cells in the walls of the veins and thereby increase their elasticity. In addition, the needle reduces the permeability of blood vessels, and as a result, less water is passed through them.

Butcher’s broom also increases the activity of the lymphatic vessels, which ensures the rapid removal of accumulated water.

Our tip : For those who are susceptible to horse chestnut, the spiny needle is an excellent alternative.

Drink plenty of water during the course of dehydration

Remember that with any method of dehydration, your body loses a large amount of tissue fluid. To compensate for these losses, be sure to drink approximately 2.5 liters of still water (regardless of other drinks).

Ready-made preparations

Pharmacies and specialized stores offer numerous mixtures of different herbs that remove water from the body and strengthen blood vessels.

They are sold as ready-made preparations: tinctures, capsules, nutritional supplements, as well as ointments and gels.

To combat the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, you will find over-the-counter medicines in pharmacies made exclusively from herbal ingredients. Talk to your pharmacist about them.

What else can be done against edema

Here are some tips on how to further strengthen blood vessels and connective tissue:

• put your feet high (as often as possible),
• walk barefoot in dew and snow (at every opportunity),
• take a contrast shower daily,
• daily do special exercises to strengthen the veins (alternate walking on toes and heels, rotation of the legs (“bicycle”) while lying on the back, etc.),
• Stroke your feet daily from the bottom up,
• take warm (38°C) alkaline baths to remove acids,
• wear alkaline stockings at night,
• if swelling is caused by inflammation, use cold packs or compresses.

Conclusion

There are a number of steps you can take on your own to strengthen your veins, activate your lymphatics, and thereby get rid of water buildup. But before self-treatment, be sure to consult a therapist to find out the cause of the problem.

If edema is caused by weakness of any organ, the recommended methods can only be used as additional therapeutic measures, and after consultation with a doctor.

You may notice that the dehydrating plants we have mentioned help not only against edema, but also against many other diseases caused by an increase in the level of acidity in the body. These include diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes.

In all these cases, it is important that the acids that cause stress on the body are excreted in the urine as quickly as possible. Then diuretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs that stimulate the lymphatic system, will come in handy.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We’ll assume you’re ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Privacy Policy

Allergy to water: does it happen, what does it look like, what to do

. Spoiler: not much is known about the disease yet

Updated on December 29, 2022, 08:28

Shutterstock

Aquagenic urticaria is a disease in which the skin reacts to water – be it shower, sea water, rain or something else. The severity of the reaction varies, and the cause, as well as the methods of treatment, are still not understood. In medical practice, allergies to water are rather rare. More often, under its mask, other skin reactions are hidden – from dermatitis to skin lesions by parasites. We figure out how not to confuse the symptoms and what to do for those who are allergic even to their own tears.

Contents

1. Causes and symptoms
2. Allergies
3. Care and treatment

Is there an allergy to water?

Shutterstock

The skin does not react to the water itself, but to certain chemicals in its composition that act as allergens

Water allergy is a rare condition in which red, itchy blisters appear on a person’s skin. In medicine, this condition is called aquagenic urticaria [1]. It provokes contact with water, regardless of temperature and physico-chemical properties: it can be tap, river, sea or pool water. In addition, the scientific literature describes cases when aquagenic urticaria arose from rain, tears and sweat [2].

Water allergy, or aquagenic urticaria, is currently poorly understood. Only a few hundred such cases are known to science. It is assumed that it affects women more often than men, and first manifests itself during puberty [3]. At the same time, what exactly provokes an allergy to water has not been fully identified, but there are several theories.

• The skin does not react to the water itself, but to certain chemicals in its composition that act as allergens, causing the immune system to release histamine.
• Water can react with sebum to produce a toxin that causes the body to release histamine.

Diagnosis of aquatic urticaria is based on patient-reported symptoms. The most obvious of these is a rash that is localized mainly on the neck, shoulders, arms and back. Common signs of aquagenic urticaria also include:

• itching;
• burning;
• redness of the skin;
• small blisters 1–3 mm in diameter.

A special water test is additionally performed to confirm the diagnosis. A cloth moistened with water at room temperature is placed on the skin for about 20 minutes. If the patient develops urticaria, the diagnosis may be confirmed. Additionally, the person will be asked to alternately immerse the forearm in water of different temperatures. In this way, it is possible to exclude other types of physical urticaria and reactions that occur with short-term contact with water without severe itching and blisters.

Olga Gromadina allergist-immunologist, candidate of medical sciences, chief specialist of the network of clinics “Semeynaya”

“True water allergy is possible, but it is a very rare variant of urticaria that develops in response to physical exposure to water. Moreover, the reaction occurs precisely upon contact with the skin, while a person suffering from an allergy to it can drink water, maybe the contact of water with mucous membranes is safe.

Types of water allergy

Shutterstock

Medicine knows of cases where allergies and skin reactions were provoked exclusively by sea salt water

Water allergy can be understood as several different diseases, both allergic and related to other mechanisms – atopic dermatitis or dyshidrotic eczema, explains Lyudmila Khludova, allergist-immunologist at the Rassvet clinic. According to the doctor, hives in cold and hot water are also common.

Lyudmila Khludova Allergist-Immunologist at the Rassvet Clinic

“All three types will look approximately the same – like red itchy rashes, usually rising above the surface of the skin, appearing within 30 minutes or faster at the points of contact with water and disappearing without a trace faster than in a day.”

Allergy to chlorinated water

If after swimming the skin turns red, itchy or a small rash appears, it is not at all necessary that this is aquatic urticaria. Most likely, this is how an individual reaction to bleach or simply irritation manifests itself. However, chlorine can indirectly contribute to allergies. There are studies confirming that frequent inhalation of chlorine vapors, for example when visiting the pool, increases the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory allergies [4].

Allergy to cold water

Cold urticaria appears shortly after the skin is subjected to a sharp drop in air temperature or from cold water. The reaction develops within 5-10 minutes and can last up to two hours. A typical example is when a person comes out of cool water and almost immediately his skin becomes covered with urticaria. More often the rash covers the arms and legs. There are two forms of the disease: acquired and hereditary. The main symptoms include abnormal reddening of the skin (erythema), urticaria, and itching [5].

Shutterstock

Redness, itching or a slight rash after swimming may be an individual reaction to the water or irritation. This is not necessarily aquagenic urticaria

Allergy to hot water

Cholinergic urticaria is a type of urticaria caused by fever. Not only a hot shower can provoke a reaction, but also physical exercises and even too strong emotions, for example, from stress. Allergy to hot water is manifested by itching and small blisters that persist for 15–30 minutes. Patients with cholinergic urticaria sometimes have asthma symptoms and low blood pressure. Cooling of the skin helps to stop the attack [6].

Allergy to sea water

Medicine knows cases when allergies and skin reactions were provoked exclusively by sea salt water. The study of the symptoms and their specificity gave reason to assume the existence of a separate salt subtype of aquatic urticaria. There are few data on this type of urticaria, but it is known that it is characterized by localization of the rash on the lower contours of the face and neck [7].

In some cases, if a rash suddenly appears after swimming in salt water, it is possible that it is not an allergy, but sea lice. They have nothing to do with hair parasites. They are tiny larvae of foxtail jellyfish, sea anemones and other marine life. Once on human skin, these miniature creatures, defending themselves, sting, throwing out a dose of toxins. As a result, a person feels a slight tingling sensation, which develops into itching and a rash. Antihistamines and calamine lotions help relieve symptoms [8].

Allergy to river water

If you are certain that you are not allergic to water, then the rash after swimming in fresh water may be caused by tiny parasites – schistosomes, which are considered to be carriers of snails. For humans, infection with these worms is manifested by skin tingling, itching, and a rash. These symptoms are uncomfortable but usually resolve on their own within a few days to a week [8].

Other reactions to water

There are other skin reactions to water that are not allergic, says allergist Olga Gromadina. For example, in people suffering from atopic dermatitis or eczema, prolonged bathing or the use of water at very high or low temperatures can exacerbate inflammation. Hard water can aggravate eczema, while swimming in the sea will be safe.

Olga Gromadina:

“At the same time, not all people with chronic inflammatory skin diseases may experience the same degree of irritation when in contact with water, since these conditions are very individual. So, in some people, the pH of the water is higher than neutral and the high content of chlorine can cause dryness and irritation of the skin. On the other hand, in some foreign studies, people suffering from chronic dermatoses recommend the use of so-called bleaching chlorine baths to reduce the number of bacteria on inflamed eczematous skin.

What to do if you are allergic to water?

Shutterstock

For many patients, medications that minimize discomfort and improve quality of life are successful treatments

The main recommendation in the treatment of any allergy is to try to avoid the trigger. But in the case of aquagenic urticaria, it is completely impossible to exclude contact with water. This would mean avoiding showering, going outside when it rains, and avoiding sweat-inducing activities. For the treatment of allergies to water, a complex of means is used, including medicines and external preparations.

With aquagenic urticaria, treatment will be similar to other types of urticaria, but there may be additional nuances, says allergist Khludova. “There is evidence of the use of PUVA therapy (ultraviolet radiation), it also looks logical to use protective agents for the skin. In particular, cosmetics with insulating or hydrophobic properties,” the doctor advises. Serious systemic reactions in aquatic urticaria are rare, she said, so for many patients, medications that minimize discomfort and improve quality of life, although not completely eliminating symptoms, are successful therapy.

Lyudmila Khludova:

“Allergists treat all types of urticaria. Now doctors do not have diagnostic methods that allow them to say exactly when aquagenic urticaria will pass.