A bulla is a large blister containing watery fluid, similar to a vesicle but larger in size. Bullae can occur on the skin for various reasons, including burns, infections, or certain skin conditions such as bullous pemphigoid or dermatitis herpetiformis.
Beauty professionals and estheticians are not medical professionals and should not treat or diagnose bullae; however, understanding this skin condition, recognizing its potential causes, and offering support to clients can help guide them toward appropriate medical care.
- Contact dermatitis: This is an allergic reaction to something that has come into contact with the skin.
- Blistering diseases: These are diseases that cause the skin to blister, such as chickenpox, shingles, and pemphigus.
- Medications: Some medications can cause the skin to blister, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs.
- Burns: Burns can cause the skin to blister.
- Infections: Infections, such as impetigo and cellulitis, can cause the skin to blister.
Bullae can be painful and unsightly. They can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you have a bulla, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment.
Practical Advice for Estheticians and skincare professionals:
a. Recognize and refer: Estheticians should be familiar with the appearance of bullae and understand that their presence may indicate an underlying medical issue. If a client presents with bullae, the esthetician should refer them to a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist, for evaluation and treatment.
b. Do not treat: As non-medical professionals, estheticians should not attempt to treat, puncture, or drain bullae, as this can increase the risk of infection or exacerbate the underlying condition.
c. Client education: Educate clients about the potential causes of bullae and the importance of seeking medical attention to address the issue properly.
d. Adjust treatments: In clients with existing bullae, estheticians should avoid performing treatments or using products that could further irritate or damage the skin. Instead, focus on gentle, soothing treatments that do not involve the affected areas.
e. Post-treatment care: Once the client has received appropriate medical treatment for their bullae, estheticians can provide guidance on post-treatment skincare, including gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, to support the healing process.
There are a number of things that beauty professionals and estheticians can do to help their clients with bullae, including:
- Clean the area around the bulla with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to the area.
- Keep the area covered with a bandage to protect it from infection.
- Refer the client to a doctor if the bulla is large, painful, or does not improve with home treatment.
Here are some additional information about bullae:
- How big are bullae? Bullae are typically larger than vesicles, which are small blisters that are less than 0.5 centimeters in diameter. Bullae can be as large as several centimeters in diameter.
- What do bullae look like? Bullae are filled with clear or cloudy fluid. They can be round or oval in shape. Bullae can be painful or painless.
- How long do bullae last? Bullae typically last for a few days to a week. They may crust over and fall off, or they may heal without scarring.
- What are the risks of bullae? Bullae can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you have a bulla, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment.