A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister.

See also: Bulla

Blisters

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.

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

Images

Bullous pemphigoid, close-up of tense blisters

Poison ivy on the knee

Herpes simplex - close-up

Vesicles

Hand, foot, and mouth disease on the soles

Herpes zoster (shingles) - close-up of lesion

Chigger bite - close-up of blisters

Poison ivy on the leg

Review Date: 05/02/2009
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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)