Gwynneth Davis, age 12, of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada, for her question:

HOW IS A BLISTER MADE?

You know what happens occasionally when you put on a brand new pair of shoes that are still a bit stiff, and then you wear them all day long. You get a blister on your heel  that's what happens.

A blister is a collection of fluid below the skin which raises and puffs up the top layer of epidermis. A blister is usually the result of continuous rubbing or chafing of the skin, or from a bruise or burn.

A blister should be protected so that the tissue beneath it will not become infected. A sterile bandage is often best to handle this job. If the blister is opened accidentally, the area should be disinfected with an antiseptic. The loose skin shouldn't be removed since it helps protect the sensitive skin beneath it.