Bullae


This is a typical appearance of a poison ivy rash. The early lesion consists of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person then spreads the toxins to other areas of the body by scratching. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



Poison ivy rash on the arm: Poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron) causes severe dermatitis in sensitive (allergic) individuals. Exposure is followed by the appearance of blisters (vesicles), often in lines or streaks where the individual has brushed the plant. Toxin on the skin can be spread to other areas by the fingers. It is not uncommon to find children with a swollen nose, eyes, and genitalia where they have spread the toxin to these areas while scratching, eating, rubbing their eyes, or using the bathroom.



Pemphigus is classified as one of the blistering diseases. These is a close-up picture of typical lesions. Very small blisters are called vesicles. Larger blisters, like these, are called bullae.



Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder (the body's immune system attacks the body), found mostly in middle-aged or elderly people. This disorder is characterized by tense blisters, usually located on the flexural surfaces (inside of the joint - such as the inside of the elbow or back of the knee). This disorder is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation (worsening). Healing usually occurs without scarring.



Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder (the body's immune system attacks the body) found mostly in middle-aged or elderly people. This disorder is characterized by tense blisters, usually located on the flexural surfaces (inside of the joint - such as the inside of the elbow or back of the knee). This disorder is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation (worsening). Healing usually occurs without scarring. This picture is a close-up of bullous lesions around the anus.



The poison ivy rash, shown here on the forearm, may begin as an area of blister formation accompanied by stinging or itching. The blisters often appear in thin lines where the person has brushed against the plant. The blisters then break and the skin drains a clear yellow fluid ("weeps") for a period of time (determined by how sensitized the individual is). Crusting occurs as the fluid dries. Healing takes place generally within 2 to 3 weeks.



Sunburn can produce severe blistering and toxic symptoms. This individual has developed blistering following excessive sun exposure. Individuals with brown eyes and a darker completion are able to tolerate more sun exposure with less damage.



Trauma to the skin has caused fluid collection and bleeding, producing a red fluid-filled blister, or bulla. This is also commonly known as a blood blister.



This picture shows bullous pemphigoid on the leg. Affected individuals develop tense blisters (bullae) filled with a yellowish blood-tinged (serosanguineous) fluid. Red (erythematous) plaques in this disease are the urticarial plaques preceding bullae (vesicles) formation or cellulitis from infection of open skin.



This picture shows bullous pemphigoid on the palm. There are areas where large blisters (bullae) have ruptured and the area has crusted over.



This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.



This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.