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Suction blister induction time: 15 minutes or 150 minutes?
1Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Background:
The literature on suction blister is somewhat confusing regarding suction blister induction time (SBIT). To date, various factors influencing the SBIT have not been discussed comprehensively.
Objective:
To determine the effect of diameter of suction syringes/cups on SBIT and review the factors influencing SBIT.
Methods:
Five young patients (four females, one male; age range 16-27 years, average age 23 years) were selected for the study. Five suction syringes of 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 ml capacity (diameter 1, 1. 4, 1.7, 2.2, and 3.2 cm, respectively) were applied on the lateral aspect of the thigh and observed for production of unilocular blister at 15 minute intervals.
Results:
The average SBIT was 63, 72, 98, 123, and 208 minutes in 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 ml syringes, respectively.
Conclusions:
The SBIT is directly proportional to the diameter of the suction syringe. A literature review suggests that the site of the suction blister, age of the subject, amount of vacuum created, temperature, intradermal injection of saline, corticosteroid-induced atrophy, and pretreatment of the site with PUVA are the important factors influencing the SBIT. Use of 10 or 20 ml syringes as suction cups and -300 mmHg pressure are appropriate choices for suction blister induction and produce blisters in about 1-2 hours.