Which action is avoided when managing fracture blisters?

Which action is avoided when managing fracture blisters?

• A. Aspiration
• B. Leave intact and dress
• C. De-roof the blister
• D. Incision and drainage

Answer: (C)

In fracture blisters, the skin envelope around a swollen fracture is fragile, so the priority is to protect that barrier and avoid creating a new wound. Removing the blister roof—deroofing—is avoided because it disrupts the protective layer, exposes raw, swollen skin to contamination and friction, and raises the risk of infection and skin breakdown. This can delay healing and complicate later definitive treatment if surgery is needed. The safer approach is to leave the blister intact and dress it with nonadherent, protective coverings while swelling subsides, sometimes with sterile aspiration to relieve tension if needed, rather than removing the roof. Once the skin is healthier, definitive fracture management can be planned.