How to get rid of air bubbles under skin? A guide to causes and care

September 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, the phenomenon of air under the skin, known as subcutaneous emphysema, is not just a myth but a real medical condition with various underlying causes. Understanding how to get rid of air bubbles under skin? requires identifying the root cause and seeking appropriate medical guidance.

Quick Summary

Air bubbles under the skin, or subcutaneous emphysema, are often a symptom of an underlying issue, such as a trauma or a wound, rather than a condition itself. The correct approach involves seeing a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, as home remedies are ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Key Points

Subcutaneous Emphysema: The medical term for air trapped under the skin, often feeling like a crackling sensation.
Underlying Cause: The bubbles are a symptom of a deeper issue, not the main problem itself. Treating the cause is key.
Common Triggers: Trauma, post-surgical complications, and certain medical procedures can all cause this condition.
Immediate Action: Seek professional medical attention immediately for a diagnosis; do not attempt home remedies or try to 'pop' the bubbles.
Treatment Varies: Resolution depends on the root cause, from natural reabsorption for minor cases to medical intervention for more serious conditions.

Understanding the Phenomenon of Air Under the Skin

Subcutaneous emphysema is the presence of gas or air in the layer of tissue directly under the skin. It feels like a crackling sensation when you touch it and can sometimes appear as visible bubbles. This condition is not always serious, but it warrants medical attention to rule out any severe issues. It's often a side effect of a specific event or health problem, and its management depends entirely on addressing that primary cause.

Common Causes of Air Bubbles Under the Skin

Several factors can lead to subcutaneous emphysema. In many cases, it is a direct result of an injury that allows air to enter the body's tissues. Other causes can be medical in nature, highlighting the importance of a professional diagnosis.

Traumatic Injury

Blunt force trauma: A powerful blow to the chest or another area can cause a lung to rupture, leaking air into the surrounding tissues. The air can then travel under the skin, causing a crackling sensation.
Penetrating injuries: Stabs or punctures to the chest cavity can directly introduce air into the subcutaneous layer.

Post-Surgical Complications

Thoracic surgery: Operations on the chest or lungs can sometimes result in a small air leak, which may lead to subcutaneous emphysema.
Dental procedures: After oral surgery, air from dental drills can sometimes be forced into the soft tissues of the face or neck, causing a temporary sensation of air bubbles.

Medical Procedures

CPR: In some instances, overly forceful or incorrectly administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation can cause a collapsed lung and subsequent air leakage into the skin.
Mechanical ventilation: Patients on ventilators can sometimes develop subcutaneous emphysema if there is a problem with the airway or machine.

Spontaneous Events

Spontaneous pneumothorax: This is a condition where a small blister-like sac on the lung surface ruptures, causing the lung to collapse and air to escape. This can happen without any apparent injury.

What to Do When You Notice Air Bubbles

Do not panic. While it can be alarming, not all instances of subcutaneous emphysema are life-threatening. The first step is to remain calm.
Seek immediate medical attention. This is the most crucial step. A healthcare professional can determine the underlying cause through a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans. Self-treating or trying to 'pop' the bubbles can cause harm.
Monitor the area. Take note of any changes in the size or spread of the air. Also, observe for other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or changes in skin color.
Avoid pressure on the area. Do not massage or press on the bubbles, as this can potentially worsen the situation by pushing air further into the tissues.

Comparison Table: Common Causes vs. When to See a Doctor


Feature	Common Causes (Minor)	When to See a Doctor (Potentially Serious)
Origin	Post-dental work, minor wound, or superficial event.	Blunt trauma, post-surgical, spontaneous pneumothorax.
Associated Symptoms	Minor swelling, localized crackling, often resolves on its own.	Shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, change in voice, increasing swelling.
Treatment	Observation, typically self-resolving.	Immediate medical care, chest drain insertion, surgical repair, or treatment of underlying condition.
Prognosis	Excellent.	Depends on the severity of the underlying condition.

The Correct Approach: Medical Evaluation and Treatment

Since subcutaneous emphysema is a symptom and not a disease, there is no one-size-fits-all home remedy to get rid of it. The treatment plan will be dictated by the underlying medical cause. For example, if a chest drain is inserted to treat a collapsed lung, the subcutaneous emphysema will typically resolve as the lung re-expands.

In less severe cases, the air will be naturally absorbed by the body over a period of days or weeks. Your doctor will monitor your condition to ensure it's not worsening and to manage any associated symptoms.

For more information on respiratory conditions that can lead to this issue, consult the authoritative guide on pneumothorax provided by The Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion: Prioritize Professional Assessment

Attempting to resolve air bubbles under the skin at home without a proper diagnosis is ill-advised. The crackling sensation is a warning sign that requires professional assessment to identify the underlying cause, which can range from a minor issue to a life-threatening condition. Always prioritize a consultation with a healthcare provider to ensure your safety and receive the most appropriate course of action. Your health is too important to take risks with self-treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The danger level depends entirely on the cause. While a minor post-dental procedure air bubble might be harmless, air leaking from a punctured lung is a serious medical emergency. A professional evaluation is necessary to assess the risk.

The medical term is subcutaneous emphysema. It refers to the presence of gas or air in the subcutaneous tissue, the deepest layer of the skin.

Yes, minor trauma that breaks the skin or affects the tissue can sometimes cause a small amount of air to become trapped. However, all cases should be medically assessed to rule out more severe injuries.

You should not press on the air bubbles. Doing so can potentially push the air further into your tissues or worsen the underlying condition, depending on the cause. Let a medical professional handle the situation.

Doctors typically diagnose the cause through a physical examination, checking for the characteristic crackling sensation. They will then use imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to locate the source of the air leak.

In minor cases, yes, the body will naturally reabsorb the air over time. However, in more serious situations, such as a lung perforation, the bubbles will only resolve once the underlying issue is treated.

Yes, a severe gas-producing bacterial infection, though rare, can lead to air being trapped under the skin. This is a very serious condition that requires immediate and aggressive medical treatment.