Which condition can be aggravated if blisters are broken during burn treatment?

When blisters are broken during burn treatment, the skin barrier is compromised, which can lead to an increased risk of infection. Blisters form as a protective mechanism; they contain fluid that helps cushion the damaged skin and encourage healing. By breaking these blisters, you expose the underlying tissue to bacteria and other pathogens that can enter the open wound, increasing the likelihood of an infection developing.

Effective burn treatment typically aims to preserve blister integrity whenever possible to maintain this protective barrier. Infections from broken blisters can lead to further complications, necessitating additional medical interventions and delaying healing processes. This makes it critical to manage blisters properly during burn treatment to minimize infection risks.