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Vesicles |
| Definition: |
| A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister ranging in size from a pinpoint to 5 or 10 millimeters in diameter. As a rule, the term vesicle is used to describe a small blister, while the term bulla is used to describe a larger blister. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Blisters |
| Considerations: |
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When diagnosing rashes, your physician must first determine what types of lesions appear within the eruption. Rashes may be formed from macules, patches, papules, plaques, nodules, pustules, bullae, or vesicles. Based upon the type of lesion within your rash, the history of your rash, and the location of your rash, your doctor will be able to arrive at possible causes. 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. Be sure to let your physician know if vesicles were present before you arrived at the office. |
| Common Causes: |
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Many diseases may present with vesicles. Some common examples include:
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| Home Care: |
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As a general rule, a physician should examine and diagnose any skin disease that includes vesicles. Nevertheless, over the counter treatments are available for certain conditions. For example, poison ivy may be soothed with calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream. Cold sores might respond to application of local pain killers or docosanol. |
| Call your health care provider if: |
| Call your physician if any unexplained blisters appear on your skin. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
| Some vesicular eruptions can be diagnosed based entirely upon their history and appearance. In many cases, however, additional tests are needed. For example, the contents of a blister may be examined under the microscope or sent for bacterial or viral culture. In particularly difficult cases, a skin biopsy may be needed to make or confirm a diagnosis. |
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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