Vesicles

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Vesicles

Definition

A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister.

Alternative Names

Blisters

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.

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

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.


Bullous pemphigoid, close-up of tense blisters


Chigger bite - close-up of blisters


Hand, foot, and mouth disease on the soles


Herpes simplex - close-up


Herpes zoster (shingles) - close-up of lesion


Poison ivy on the knee


Poison ivy on the leg


Vesicles

Review Date: 4/12/2007
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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