Popper Blisters

A fungal infection that causes fungus growth beneath the dermal layer, forming squishy blisters until they pop out their spores. Burn to remove, and maybe bite on something before you light it.

The fungus that causes this infection is rare, often outcompeted and treated as a pest species by civilizations. However on colony worlds, the fungus can still find plenty of space to grow.

Moisture is required for the fungus to take hold, and the spores have evolved special 'tails' that it uses to move and find weak points in shells and armor.

ALERT!!!

Popper Fungus has been observed in the area, before entering and exitting secure areas, you must check yourself for any spores and report for scrubbing before entering living spaces.

Blisters are to immediately brought to the on-site clinic for treatment.

The Lifecycle

Popper Fungus like to grow on an organic and sheltered surface and are capable of surviving in warmer temperatures. Their thin-filiament like spores will catch on clothing and are light enough to be carried dozens of yards on the wind. If they land on a suitable surface, they will use a rotation method to dig underneath the skin and propagate.

This propagation of spores undear the skin are what cause the tell-tale blisters. As the fungus grows, the blisters will form a distended dome under the skin. If jostled or punctured, the pressure inside will release, causing the skin to rip open and spores to expel into the air.

Impact

Popper Blisters can cause serious infection and if left untreated will spread and infect more area. The exploding blisters are extremely painful, and cause cause septic shock from the bursted wounds.

While less of a problem in civilized areas, Popper Blisters can quickly bring an unprepared populace to their knees, killing off entire colonies.

Treatment

With Fire

The most common treatment, the spores of Popper Fungus are extremely flammable.

One treatment involves using a long needle to pop the blister and funnel the spores out through the needle into an awaiting flame. The spores will burn, and the wound can be disinfected.

Without the needle, you can still expose the blister to open flame to kill the spores, but it will be extremely painful without some form of anethesia.

With Ice

For more equipped locales, liquid nitrogen or other freezing liquids can be applied to the blister to decompress the spores inside and prevent them from exploding.

Once frozen, the spores can then be excised and disposed of without causing undue pain to the sufferer.