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Skin Glossary · Appearance of the skin

Vesicle

Related terms · small blister · clear blister

A vesicle refers to a small blister. Causes vary, such as pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) occurring deep on the sides of fingers, contact dermatitis, or infections; therefore, the location, pain, itching, and whether they appear in clusters are examined.

Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
01

What are vesicles?

Vesicles are small, raised lesions filled with clear fluid under the skin. In simple terms, vesicles refer to small blisters. Since causes vary, such as dyshidrosis (pompholyx), contact dermatitis, or infections that often appear deep on the sides of the fingers, we examine the location, presence of pain or itching, and whether they appear in clusters.

02

How is it different from similar conditions?

They are distinguished from pustules, which contain pus, and larger blisters may be specifically referred to as bullae.

03

Why is this important in skin care?

This appearance is key to distinguishing between dyshidrosis, contact dermatitis, and infectious lesions.

04

What should be checked based on my symptoms?

Do not intentionally pop them; if you experience pain, rapid spreading, or fever, a medical evaluation for infection is necessary.

Related conditions and medical guidance

Check guides where this term is used

Condition GuidanceDyshidrosisDyshidrosis is a type of eczema characterized by small, deep blisters appearing in clusters mainly on the palms, sides of the fingers, soles, and toes, accompanied by intense itching or a burning sensation. Itching or tingling may start before the blisters appear, and as the blisters dry over 3 to 4 weeks, the skin may peel, become dry, and develop deep cracks. However, not all blisters on the hands and feet are dyshidrosis. If they appear for the first time, are distinct on only one side, or spread to other areas, they must be differentiated from contact dermatitis, athlete's foot, or infections at a dermatology clinic. If there are yellow crusts, pus, rapidly spreading redness, heat, pain, or fever, prompt medical evaluation is a priority over self-care.Condition GuidanceContact dermatitisContact dermatitis is a type of dermatitis where the area that touched a substance becomes red, itchy, or stinging, or develops swelling, blisters, discharge, or cracking. Irritant contact dermatitis, caused by substances that directly damage the skin such as detergents or disinfectants, often causes stinging immediately after exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis, caused by metals, fragrances, cosmetics, etc., may appear as itching several hours to several days later. Identifying and avoiding the causative substance is the starting point of treatment.Condition GuidanceEczemaCommon symptoms of eczema include dry, severely itchy skin and rashes. These can occur on the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet; depending on skin tone, they may appear red, brown, purple, or gray, or present as prominent rough bumps. Scratching leads to more swelling and itching, and may cause scratch marks, scaling, cracking, blisters, oozing, or scabs. Prolonged scratching causes the skin to thicken and crack. If you experience unusual pain, heat, yellow scabs, or if clustered blisters are accompanied by fever and fatigue, promptly evaluate for the possibility of infection or herpetic eczema.Medical Evaluation GuideWhen oozing, pus, pain, and fever occur togetherIf there is rapidly spreading redness, pain that makes it difficult to touch, pus or yellow crusts, fever, or severe swelling around the eyes and mouth, we will first connect you to infection treatment or emergency evaluation. If you have difficulty breathing or if your lips or tongue swell, seek emergency help immediately. Once urgent issues are resolved, remaining itchiness and recurring symptoms will be managed through Korean medicine treatment.

Comparison of similar terms

Terms to know for easier distinction

Evidence and Update Information

The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.

  1. NCBI Clinical Methods: Principles of Skin Lesion ObservationClinical terms describing the shape, arrangement, and distribution of lesions have been verified.
Summary and review information for this page

Reviewing Medical Staff

Choi Yeon-seung, Doctor of Korean MedicineChief Director · Editor of Korean Medicine Atlas · BRC Researcher

Page Summary

A vesicle refers to a small blister. Causes vary, such as pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) occurring deep on the sides of fingers, contact dermatitis, or infections; therefore, the location, pain, itching, and whether they appear in clusters are examined.

What this page covers

What is explained
In the text "Vesicles refer to small blisters. Since causes vary, such as dyshidrosis, contact dermatitis, or infections that often appear deep on the sides of the fingers, we examine the location, presence of pain or itching, and whether they appear in clusters," what should be checked first?
What situations are covered
Vesicles refer to small blisters.
What distinctions are made
Meaning of vesicle: A small, raised lesion filled with clear fluid under the skin.
How should this be understood
Since causes vary, such as dyshidrosis, contact dermatitis, or infections that often appear deep on the sides of the fingers, we examine the location, presence of pain or itching, and whether they appear in clusters.

Key Points

  • Meaning of vesicle: A small, raised lesion filled with clear fluid under the skin.
  • Difference from similar terms: They are distinguished from pustules, which contain pus, and larger blisters may be specifically referred to as bullae.
  • Reason for checking during evaluation: This appearance is key to distinguishing between dyshidrosis, contact dermatitis, and infectious lesions.

References cited on this page

Skin Terminology Glossary

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