Definition
A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister. See also: Bulla
Alternative names
Blisters
Causes
Many diseases and conditions can cause vesicles. Some common examples include: Allergic reactions to drugs Atopic dermatitis ( eczema ) Blistering skin diseases including porphyria cutanea tarda and dermatitis herpetiformis Chicken pox Contact dermatitis (may be caused by poison ivy) Herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes) Herpes zoster (shingles) Impetigo
Definition
A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister.
See also: Bulla
Alternative names
Blisters
Causes
Many diseases and conditions can cause vesicles. Some common examples include:
Considerations
A vesicle is small -- it may be as tiny as the top of a pin or up to 5 or 10 millimeters wide.
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.
Care
As a general rule, your doctor should 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 doctor if you have any unexplained blisters on your skin.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your doctor will look at your skin. Some vesicules can be diagnosed simply by how they look.
In many cases, however, 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.
References
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: .5/2/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.5/2/2009
