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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Water Blisters On Ankle, Draining, Taken Antibiotic Ointment And Bandaid, Previously BP Med And Diuretic, Rod In Femur

My 89-year-old mother is visiting with me and for the last 3-4 days has been developing water blisters on the outside of her left ankle. This is above her shoe line. I have been using antibiotic ointment and covering with a bandaid because the first day she was breaking them open. These blisters do seem to break on drain on their own, however. I saw this happen while we were watching television. She is on a BP med and diuretic I believe. She had a rod placed in her femur several years ago but otherwise is pretty healthy. Any thoughts?
Wed, 13 Jun 2012
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.

The blister seem like an infection as elderly are more prone to infection; most common organism being staphylococcus.

I presume your mother is not diabetic.

You are doing the right job by applying antibiotic ointments. However I would suggest you to cover the lesion with a sterile gauze (which is available over the counter) instead of band aid as there is a tendency to cause skin peeling especially over the fragile infected area in elderly.

It is absolutely essential to maintain proper aseptic conditions. Avoid unnecessary handling the affected region with bare fingers. Watch the progress. If there is not proper healing in the next few days or if your mother develops fever with chills, you would need to seek prompt medical help. Oral antibiotics may be needed in such cases.

In addition complete hemogram and blood sugar testing is entailed if there is worsening of the condition.

I wish your mother a good and speedy recovery.

Regards
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Water Blisters On Ankle, Draining, Taken Antibiotic Ointment And Bandaid, Previously BP Med And Diuretic, Rod In Femur

Hi, Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum. The blister seem like an infection as elderly are more prone to infection; most common organism being staphylococcus. I presume your mother is not diabetic. You are doing the right job by applying antibiotic ointments. However I would suggest you to cover the lesion with a sterile gauze (which is available over the counter) instead of band aid as there is a tendency to cause skin peeling especially over the fragile infected area in elderly. It is absolutely essential to maintain proper aseptic conditions. Avoid unnecessary handling the affected region with bare fingers. Watch the progress. If there is not proper healing in the next few days or if your mother develops fever with chills, you would need to seek prompt medical help. Oral antibiotics may be needed in such cases. In addition complete hemogram and blood sugar testing is entailed if there is worsening of the condition. I wish your mother a good and speedy recovery. Regards