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- It is important to have a clear understanding of the terminology used to describe vesicular or bullous lesions and their associated physical features. A vesicle is a fluid-filled, dome-shaped lesion of 0.5 cm or less; if such a lesion is greater than 0.5 cm, it is termed a bulla.
Understanding the difference between bullae and vesicles is crucial in diagnosing and treating various dermatological conditions. In the following sections, we will explore the characteristics, causes, and treatments of bullae and vesicles in more detail.
People also ask
What is the difference between a bulla and a vesicle?
How do you know if a bulla is a vesicle?
What does a vesicle look like?
What are vesicular or bullous lesions?
A vesicle is a fluid-filled, dome-shaped lesion of 0.5 cm or less; if such a lesion is greater than 0.5 cm, it is termed a bulla. The fluid inside may be clear or hemorrhagic in nature. If the material is purulent, the lesion is called a pustule.
- Overview
- What are vesicles?
- What causes vesicles and blistering rashes?
- What are the symptoms of vesicles?
- Do rashes occur with vesicles?
- How are vesicles diagnosed?
- How are vesicles treated?
- What home treatments are effective against vesicles?
- What is the outlook for someone with vesicles?
- How can you prevent vesicles?
Vesicles are small blisters that can appear on your skin. They can be a symptom of a medical issue or a sign of tissue injury. Some conditions, like contact dermatitis or cold sores, may not require medical attention.
Vesicles are small fluid-filled sacs or blisters that can appear on your skin. The fluid inside these sacs may be clear, white, yellow, or mixed with blood.
Vesicles are fluid-filled lesions less than 5 mm (1/2 cm). If the fluid-filled lesion is greater than 0.5 mm, it’s called a bulla. Blisters are either vesicles or bulla, depending on the size.
Blisters can be a symptom of a medical issue or a sign of tissue injury.
In anatomy, vesicles may refer to any pouch-like structure in the body. The function of these types of vesicles is to store and transport materials and waste.
Vesicles develop when fluid becomes trapped under the epidermis, the top layer of your skin. A number of different health conditions can cause them. Some of these conditions are minor, like contact dermatitis or cold sores, and don’t require medical attention.
But other causes are more serious and can signal a complicated medical issue that needs ongoing treatment. These issues may include bacterial or viral infection, autoimmune disease, and a sensitivity or allergy to medication, among others.
Causes of acute (short-lasting) vesicles on the skin include:
•papular urticaria, a reaction from insect bites or stings
•dermatitis or eczema
•contact dermatitis, like from poison ivy or poison oak or reactions from skincare products
Doctors can recognize vesicles based on their bubble-like appearance. Most develop on the surface of the skin and cause it to swell with fluid. The skin around a vesicle keeps the fluid contained.
Some blister-like lesions can rupture easily. This causes fluid to leak from the blister. When the fluid dries, it may turn yellow or crusty.
Symptoms that may occur with a blistering rash include:
•itching
•tenderness
•warmth at the affected skin
Vesicles or blisters can occur with a rash, known as a vesicular rash.
Some common vesicular rashes include:
•Heat rash: Heat rashes tend to occur in hot, humid, or tropic climates. It’s caused by blockage and swelling of the sweat ducts and is usually found on the torso.
•Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause rashes along with superficial vesicles or bullae.
•Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a common cause of vesicular rash can occur after exposure to an allergen or irritant. You may develop this type of rash from poison oak or poison ivy or from touching something you might be allergic to, like substances in soap, perfume, or jewelry.
Vesicular rashes may spread quickly. In the case of viral and bacterial infections, keep the rash clean to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
You should make an appointment with a doctor if you develop unexplained vesicles on your skin. If you don’t already have a doctor, try the Healthline FindCare tool to see the options available in your area.
During the visit, they’ll ask you about your recent health history and about any medical conditions that might be related to the vesicles, like other symptoms including fever, chills, itching, or pain.
They may also ask if you’ve traveled recently or had possible contact with poison ivy or sumac. They might also want to know if you’ve started any new medications or had changes made to existing ones. Finally, they may ask if you have any family history or personal history of autoimmune diseases.
They’ll also examine your skin. Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your vesicles based on this information alone.
Talk with a doctor about the best treatment options to reduce your symptoms.
Treatment for your vesicles depends on the cause. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies may be enough to treat vesicles resulting from an allergic reaction, dermatitis, poison ivy, or cold sores. Many of these remedies are topical ointments that can soothe the skin. Antihistamines may be able to reduce allergy-related symptoms.
Vesicles can be accompanied by other serious symptoms, like inflammation or infection. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat the underlying causes.
For example, bullous pemphigoid — a type of autoimmune disorder that affects older adults — is typically treated with oral steroids to help reduce inflammation and possibly immunosuppressants or monoclonal antibodies.
Bacterial infections are typically treated with oral antibiotics so as not to aggravate the vesicles.
Vesicles caused by eczema are often treated with topical medications, including topical steroids and glucocorticoids.
Home treatments, including alternative remedies can often be effective for treating vesicles or blisters.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should care for an open or torn blister by washing the area with soap and water and then applying petroleum jelly. You can also use an OTC antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. Cover the area with a clean, loose bandage to protect it.
Your outlook depends on the underlying cause. If your vesicles are caused by an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis, you’ll typically make a full recovery after treatment.
More serious cases of vesicles can be a result of your genetics or an infection with a virus, so the vesicles may reoccur throughout your life. Proper treatment may relieve your symptoms. But if you have a chronic condition, the vesicles are likely to return.
If you know you have allergies, you can help prevent vesicles by avoiding allergy triggers.
Herpes and cold sores are contagious, so you should also take care not to share cups, straws, or lip products. This precaution may also help prevent you from catching other viral illnesses.
Try not to wear tight-fitting clothing that rubs uncomfortably on the skin, especially in hot or damp weather. Opt for clothing that breathes, like cotton. You should wear proper attire for sports or physical activity, like socks with extra padding, to prevent friction. Moisture-wicking clothing can also be helpful. If you experience pain or redness, stop the activity.
Keep your skin clean, maintain good hygiene, and avoid irritants that could aggravate your skin. Using unscented products can help prevent rashes, as those with scents can irritate sensitive skin more.
Antibacterial soaps can help prevent infections from causing vesicles (and vesicles from becoming infected). Shower immediately after working out or coming into contact with a potential skin irritant.
In some instances, it may not be possible to prevent vesicles.
- Darla Burke
Smaller blisters are called vesicles. Picture of bullae. Symptoms of bullae. It’s easy to see if you have bullae. The skin that is affected will be slightly raised and usually have clear...
Vesicles are smaller blisters ie less than 5mm in diameter. Blisters that become infected can be quite painful. If left untreated, they can be dangerous. Starting in your blister, a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection might spread to other parts of your body. Blisters usually rupture and heal in one to two weeks on their own.
Oct 10, 2023 · When a blister is less than 0.5 cm, it is called a vesicle. When it’s greater than 0.5 cm, it is called a bulla.
Vesicles are small, fluid-filled blisters < 10 mm in diameter. Vesicles are characteristic of herpes infections, acute allergic contact dermatitis , and some autoimmune blistering disorders (eg, dermatitis herpetiformis ).
