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Vesicles

Blisters

 

A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister on the skin.

Considerations

 

A vesicle is small. It may be as tiny as the top of a pin or up to 5 millimeters wide. A larger blister is called a bulla.

In many cases, vesicles break easily and release their fluid onto the skin. When this fluid dries, yellow crusts may remain on the skin surface.

 

Causes

 

Many diseases and conditions can cause vesicles. Common examples include:

  • Allergic reactions to drugs
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Autoimmune disorders such as bullous pemphigoid or pemphigus
  • Blistering skin diseases including porphyria cutanea tarda and dermatitis herpetiformis
  • Chickenpox
  • Contact dermatitis (may be caused by poison ivy)
  • Herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes)
  • Herpes zoster (shingles)
  • Bacterial infections
  • Fungal infections
  • Burns
  • Friction
  • Treatment with cryotherapy (to treat a wart for example)

 

Home Care

 

It is best to have your health care provider examine any skin rashes, including vesicles.

Over-the-counter treatments are available for certain conditions that cause vesicles, including poison ivy and cold sores.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have any unexplained blisters on your skin.

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

Your provider will look at your skin. Some vesicles can be diagnosed simply by how they look.

In many cases, additional tests are needed. The fluid inside a blister may be sent to a lab for closer examination. In particularly difficult cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to make or confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the vesicles.

 

 

References

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

Marks JG, Miller JJ. Vesicles and bullae. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 10.

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  • Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

    Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

    illustration

  • Chigger bite - close-up of blisters

    Chigger bite - close-up of blisters

    illustration

  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease on the soles

    Hand, foot, and mouth disease on the soles

    illustration

  • Herpes simplex - close-up

    Herpes simplex - close-up

    illustration

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) - close-up of lesion

    Herpes zoster (shingles) - close-up of lesion

    illustration

  • Poison ivy on the knee

    Poison ivy on the knee

    illustration

  • Poison ivy on the leg

    Poison ivy on the leg

    illustration

  • Vesicles

    Vesicles

    illustration

    • Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

      Bullous pemphigoid - close-up of tense blisters

      illustration

    • Chigger bite - close-up of blisters

      Chigger bite - close-up of blisters

      illustration

    • Hand, foot, and mouth disease on the soles

      Hand, foot, and mouth disease on the soles

      illustration

    • Herpes simplex - close-up

      Herpes simplex - close-up

      illustration

    • Herpes zoster (shingles) - close-up of lesion

      Herpes zoster (shingles) - close-up of lesion

      illustration

    • Poison ivy on the knee

      Poison ivy on the knee

      illustration

    • Poison ivy on the leg

      Poison ivy on the leg

      illustration

    • Vesicles

      Vesicles

      illustration

     

    Review Date: 6/7/2023

    Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. 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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