Vesicle vs. Bulla — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 20, 2024
Vesicles and bullae are both fluid-filled lesions on the skin; vesicles are smaller than 1 cm in diameter, whereas bullae are larger than 1 cm.
Difference Between Vesicle and Bulla
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Vesicles are small, fluid-filled sacs that appear on the skin, often due to conditions like herpes or dermatitis, whereas bulla refers to larger fluid-filled blisters that can result from severe sunburns, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
Vesicles typically hold clear fluid and may burst easily due to their thin outer layer, whereas bullae are more likely to contain blood or pus and have a thicker membrane, making them more robust.
The cause of vesicles often involves acute viral infections or allergic reactions, on the other hand, bullae can develop from more chronic or severe conditions, including drug reactions or chronic skin diseases.
Treatment for vesicles usually involves topical creams or antivirals depending on the underlying cause, whereas bullae might require more intensive treatment, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics, especially if there's an infection.
In terms of prognosis, vesicles generally resolve without scarring if managed properly, on the other hand, bullae can lead to complications like infections or scarring if not adequately treated.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Size
Less than 1 cm in diameter
Greater than 1 cm in diameter
Contents
Usually clear fluid
Can contain blood, pus, or clear fluid
Membrane
Thin and delicate
Thicker and more robust
Common Causes
Herpes, dermatitis, allergic reactions
Sunburn, infections, autoimmune diseases
Treatment
Topical creams, antivirals
Corticosteroids, antibiotics
Compare with Definitions
Vesicle
A small sac or cyst.
Vesicles can form in almost any body tissue, not just the skin.
Bulla
An elevated, fluid-filled sac.
Bullae can result from severe skin infections and other dermatological conditions.
Vesicle
A small fluid-filled lesion on the skin.
The nurse observed several vesicles on the patient's lip, indicating oral herpes.
Bulla
A skin abnormality larger than a vesicle.
Distinguishing between a bulla and a vesicle is important for accurate diagnosis.
Vesicle
A microscopic sac containing fluid found in the body.
In biology class, we learned that vesicles transport substances within cells.
Bulla
A rounded, fluid-filled lesion.
Bullae are often more severe and require careful medical attention to prevent infection.
Vesicle
A blister-like elevation of the skin containing serous fluid.
Contact with poison ivy can result in itchy vesicles.
Bulla
A large blister containing fluid that appears on the skin.
After prolonged exposure to the sun, he developed a painful bulla on his shoulder.
Vesicle
A pathologic structure.
Pathological examination revealed numerous vesicles caused by an allergic reaction.
Bulla
A large blister on mucous membranes or skin.
Autoimmune disorders can lead to the formation of bullae on the skin and mucous membranes.
Vesicle
(Cytology) A membrane-bound structure within a cell in which materials such as enzymes are transported or stored.
Bulla
A round seal affixed to a papal bull.
Vesicle
(Anatomy) A sac or cyst, especially one containing fluid.
Bulla
(Medicine) A large blister or vesicle.
Vesicle
(Medicine) A blister of the skin.
Bulla
A blister, vesicle, or other thin-walled cavity or lesion, as:
Vesicle
(Geology) A cavity formed in volcanic rock by entrapment of a gas bubble during solidification.
Bulla
(usually and especially) Such a blister that is more than 5 mm in diameter.
Vesicle
(cytology) A membrane-bound compartment found in a cell.
Bulla
(archaeology) A clay envelope or hollow ball, typically with seal impressions or writing on its outside indicating its contents.
Vesicle
A small bladder-like cell or cavity, as:
Bulla
(historical) In ancient Rome, a kind of amulet or boss.
Vesicle
(botany) A small sac filled with juice, one of many constituting the pulp of a fruit such as an orange, lemon, or grapefruit.
Bulla
Later, a handwritten document from the papal chancellery.
Vesicle
A small sac or cyst or vacuole, especially one containing fluid. A blister formed in or beneath the skin, containing serum. A bleb.
Bulla
The tympanic part of a temporal bone (having a bubble-like appearance)
Vesicle
(anatomy) A pocket of embryonic tissue that is the beginning of an organ.
Bulla
A bleb; a vesicle, or an elevation of the cuticle, containing a transparent watery fluid.
Vesicle
(geology) A small cavity formed in volcanic rock by entrapment of a gas bubble during solidification.
Bulla
The ovoid prominence below the opening of the ear in the skulls of many animals; as, the tympanic or auditory bulla.
Vesicle
A bladderlike vessel; a membranous cavity; a cyst; a cell.
Bulla
A leaden seal for a document; esp. the round leaden seal attached to the papal bulls, which has on one side a representation of St. Peter and St. Paul, and on the other the name of the pope who uses it.
Vesicle
A small bladderlike body in the substance of a vegetable, or upon the surface of a leaf.
Bulla
A genus of marine shells. See Bubble shell.
Vesicle
A small, and more or less circular, elevation of the cuticle, containing a clear watery fluid.
Bulla
(pathology) an elevation of the skin filled with serous fluid
Vesicle
A cavity or sac, especially one filled with fluid; as, the umbilical vesicle.
Bulla
The round leaden seal affixed to a papal bull
Vesicle
A small convex hollow prominence on the surface of a shell or a coral.
Vesicle
A small cavity, nearly spherical in form, and usually of the size of a pea or smaller, such as are common in some volcanic rocks. They are produced by the liberation of watery vapor in the molten mass.
Vesicle
A small anatomically normal sac or bladderlike structure (especially one containing fluid)
Common Curiosities
What is a vesicle?
A vesicle is a small blister on the skin or mucous membrane containing fluid.
What is a bulla?
A bulla is a large blister on the skin or mucous membrane that is usually filled with fluid.
How can you tell a vesicle from a bulla?
The primary difference is size; vesicles are under 1 cm in diameter, while bullae are larger than 1 cm.
What causes bullae?
Bullae may result from severe infections, sunburns, or autoimmune diseases.
What causes vesicles?
Vesicles are commonly caused by infections like herpes, allergic reactions, or irritation.
How are bullae treated?
Treatment can involve the use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, or other targeted therapies.
Can bullae lead to complications?
Bullae can lead to more severe complications like infections and scarring if not adequately managed.
How are vesicles treated?
Treatment might include topical creams or antiviral medication, depending on the cause.
Are vesicles contagious?
When we wash the face and body the oil off the skin, the inflammation is usually not contagious.
Can vesicles lead to complications?
If not properly treated, vesicles can lead to skin infections.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Allegorical vs. Literal
Next Comparison
Specialization vs. SpecialisationAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
