What should you know about gout blisters?

Inflammation from gout can cause considerable swelling and tenderness around a joint. Fluid-filled skin may instead result from rubbing footwear, pressure, burns, allergic irritation, or infection. Crust, pus, spreading redness, increasing warmth, or worsening pain raises concern for infection rather than a simple friction blister.

Do not squeeze or cut the blister. A clinician can inspect the skin and joint together, especially if the area is hot or you have diabetes, reduced sensation, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.

Keep the blister clean and covered with a loose sterile dressing, and remove pressure from shoes or bedding. Wash your hands before touching it. Avoid puncturing it or applying harsh antiseptics. Rest and elevate a swollen limb; a cloth-wrapped cool pack may ease joint discomfort, but keep cold away from broken skin.

Arrange prompt medical review for a new blister over a painful swollen joint. Seek urgent care if there is fever, pus, rapidly spreading redness, red streaking, severe tenderness, or feeling unwell. Get help sooner if the blister has opened, the skin is darkening, or you have reduced feeling in the foot.

Ask whether the blister looks like friction, inflammation, or infection; how to dress it; and whether the joint needs testing for gout or another cause. Ask which flare medicines are safe with your health conditions and how to prevent shoe pressure.