Bullae

Bullae are large blisters on the skin that are filled with clear fluid. Many different skin conditions can cause bullae to form. They can be caused by infection or inflammation of the skin.

Open References

References

Dinulos JGH. Principles of diagnosis and anatomy. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.

Dinulos JGH. Vesicular and bullous diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide in Diagnosis and Therapy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters - illustration
Pemphigus is classified as one of the blistering diseases. These is a close-up picture of typical lesions. Very small blisters are called vesicles. Larger blisters, like these, are called bullae.
Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters
illustration
Poison ivy on the knee - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.
Poison ivy on the knee
illustration
Poison ivy on the leg - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters, often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (resin) of these plants. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is not caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.
Poison ivy on the leg
illustration

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters - illustration
Pemphigus is classified as one of the blistering diseases. These is a close-up picture of typical lesions. Very small blisters are called vesicles. Larger blisters, like these, are called bullae.
Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters
illustration
Poison ivy on the knee - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.
Poison ivy on the knee
illustration
Poison ivy on the leg - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters, often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (resin) of these plants. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is not caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.
Poison ivy on the leg
illustration

Tests for Bullae

Review Date: 10/20/2022

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Health Library

Bullae

Blisters

References

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters - illustration

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

Poison ivy on the knee - illustration

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg - illustration

Poison ivy on the leg

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters - illustration

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

Poison ivy on the knee - illustration

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg - illustration

Poison ivy on the leg

Tests for Bullae

Health Library

Bullae

Blisters

References

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters - illustration

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

Poison ivy on the knee - illustration

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg - illustration

Poison ivy on the leg

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters - illustration

Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

Poison ivy on the knee - illustration

Poison ivy on the knee

Poison ivy on the leg - illustration

Poison ivy on the leg

Tests for Bullae

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