Vesicular Rash

Vesicular rashes refer to the blisters that appear on the skin surface due to a viral infection. These rashes normally arise in about all parts of the skin of people. The rashes also occur in the skin areas where there is a mucous membrane. The word “vesicular” emanates from a Latin term “vesiculum” which means bladder or small bag. Vesicular rash gets the name from its characteristic  appearance resembling of sacs or vesicles on the body.

Vesicular rashes can occur in about all parts of the sin; the face, hands and legs. In other instances of vesicular rashes, the mouth is also affected because of the existence of the mucous membrane in the mouth area. 

Symptoms of vesicular rash 

The main symptoms and signs of this disease are:

 Rashes: This disease is majorly marked by the presence of minute rashes in the body parts. As mentioned earlier, these rashes can happen in almost any skin part.

Itchiness:  These rashes are normally quite itchy. If scratched, these rashes will leave behind scars on skin. The itchy vesicular rashes are very common among people.

Fluids: The rashes usually appear like elevated sacs on the skin surface. This elevation is as a result of the fluid contained in the sac.

Headache: The patients who suffer vesicular rashes due to Herpes Zoster will suffer severe headaches.

Fever: In case the sick person suffers from Dermatophytid, the vesicular rash can be accompanied by fever. Dermatophytid is an allergic response of the body to a fungal infection. Fever and vesicular rash is a common condition in patients suffering from dermatophytid.

Malaise: In the case of the rashes that occur as a result of Herpes Zoster, patients will also experience bodily discomfort that can be accompanied by depression.

Pain: The rashes from vesicular disorder are normally very painful in some instances. The pain will last for the entire period the rashes will be on the skin.

Color change: In some situations, the rash will change in color and appear darkened or cloudy in appearance. This usually happens in the later stages of the illness when the sacs are full of blood.

Crusts: In the advanced stage, scales and crusts will form over vesicles. These will eventually fall off, and the skin will start healing on its own afterwards.

 

Causes of vesicular rash

Below are some of the things likely to lead to vesicular rash:

 Herpes Zoster: The cause condition of most patients of vesicular rash is herpes zoster. Herpes leads to sensory ganglia swelling of specific spine or skull nerves. This is later followed by blisters erupting in the affected nerve’s path. It normally attacks a single side of the body.

Impetigo: This is a severe skin disorder that is described by developing small blisters on the localized skin area. Finally, a crust is formed on top of the blisters and the skin begins healing on its own when they drop.  This is a contagious condition that is most commonly found in children.

Contact dermatitis: This disorder is an allergic reaction of skin that occurs after the skin contacts a certain allergen like Poison Ivy.

Eczema: This is a renowned skin infection that causes vesicles to be formed on the skin surface in the severe stages of the disease.

Chicken pox: This is a contagious infection that emanates from Herpes Zoster infection. It causes vesicles to be formed on the body and face.

Lyme disease: Vesicular rash can also be caused by lyme disease. This disease is characterized by severe inflammation as well as fever, swelling joints and rashes.

 

Diagnosing vesicular rash

Diagnosing vesicular rash starts with observing with the naked eye. Once the medical practitioner suspects some kind of viral infection, they carry out some blood tests. This aids in detecting any viral or bacterial presence in blood. Skin biopsies help in detecting any skin disorders. Examining froze skin soft tissues aids in determining whether there is some infectious disorder behind the sickness.

Skin biopsies are also done in the event patients are suspected to have any skin disorder. A minute skin part is removed afterwards and a microscopic analysis and anesthetic injection carried out to detect any kind of skin condition.

The differential analysis of vesicular rash is geared towards distinguishing the ailment from the other disorders such as Herpes Zoster, smallpox, scabies and penis herpes.

 

Treating vesicular rash

Treating vesicular rash normally entails curing the underlying causative condition or disorder. An efficient Herpes Zoster treatment involves completely removing the rashes. When the rashes are found to emanate from Herpes Zoster, this cause is treated first. The treatment of Herpes Zoster is through administration of steroidal medication. Antiviral medicines are also used   curing viral infections, which are the basic cause of the Herpes Zoster infection. Analgesics are also given to offer patients with temporary pain relief.

Vesicular rash – pictures

Conclusion

It is advisable that the healthcare practitioners examine the skin rashes as well as vesicles. Over the counter drugs are present for specific conditions that lead to vesicles like cold sores and poison ivy. Contact the provider when you notice some unexplained blisters on the skin.