Bullae: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Overview

What is Bullae ?

Bullae are fluid-filled sacs that develop inside or beneath the epidermis or mucous membranes (plural: bulla). They can range from less than 1 cm to several centimeters in diameter and can be produced by several things.

They can appear as a solitary lesion or in groups and contain clear, murky, or bloody fluid.

Types

What are the other types?

Vesiculobullous eruptions

• Bullae can develop due to many different skin conditions, such as infections, allergic responses, and autoimmune diseases.

Pemphigus

• This autoimmune condition results in bullae and blisters on the epidermis and mucous membranes.

Pemphigoid

• Although less severe than pemphigus, this condition still results in the formation of bullae on the epidermis and mucous membranes. ¹Types of bullae | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Bullous impetigo

• Bullae can develop on the skin due to this bacterial infection, usually in adolescents. ¹Types of bullae | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Gestational bullous pemphigoid

• Bullae are the defining feature of this uncommon pregnancy-related pemphigoid.

Bullous epidermolysis

• Due to this genetic disease, the skin is extremely fragile and prone to blistering and bullae. ¹Types of bullae | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Toxic epidermal necrolysis

• Large bullae and extensive skin damage are possible outcomes of this severe and possibly fatal skin reaction. ¹Types of bullae | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Causes

What are the causes of bullae ?

Several factors can result in bullae, including:

Infections

• Bullae can develop due to bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. Examples include thrush, herpes simplex infection, and bullous impetigo. ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Immune system diseases

• Some inflammatory diseases, including pemphigus and pemphigoid, can bring on Bullae.

Allergic reactions

• It can occasionally develop due to an allergic reaction to an insect bite, drug exposure, or contact with chemicals. ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Genetic disorders

• Specific genetic conditions like epidermolysis bullosa can cause skin fragility and a propensity for the development of bullae. ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Trauma

• It can occasionally develop due to physical trauma, like burns, friction, or an accident.

Exposure to cold or heat

• Extreme temperatures, such as exposure to hot surfaces or freezing conditions, can cause bullae to develop.³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Adverse drug reactions

• Some medications, including diuretics and antibiotics, can occasionally result in bullae as a side effect. ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Symptoms

Symptoms of Bullae

Depending on the underlying reason and location, the symptoms can change. The following are some typical signs and symptoms: ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Blisters or fluid-filled sacs

• The appearance of fluid-filled sacs or blisters on the skin or mucous membrane identifies them.³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Any soreness or pain

• It may occasionally hurt or be unpleasant, mainly if they are in places on the body that are vulnerable to pressure or friction.

Burning or itching

• Can result in burning or irritation, mainly if they are on the skin.

Swelling or inflammation

• If an illness or autoimmune condition is brought on the bullae, the skin around the bullae might be red or swollen. ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Oozing or draining

• It could rupture or explode occasionally, allowing the liquid inside to drain or ooze out.

Fever or additional systemic signs

• Fever, exhaustion, and other systemic symptoms can also occur. ³Types of bullae | Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Diagnosis

How is it diagnosed?

Physical examination

• A physician will examine the bullae to determine their position, dimensions, and other details. They might also look for indicators of an illness. ²Diagnosis | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Medical history

• The doctor can inquire about any underlying illnesses or recent contact with irritants or allergies.

Diagnostic tests

• Your doctor might advise additional tests based on the probable cause. These could include blood tests to check for disease, imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans, or a skin biopsy to study the tissue under a microscope.²Diagnosis | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

An allergy testing

• Your doctor might suggest allergy testing to identify the allergen if you think you might be having an allergic response. ²Diagnosis | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Treatment

Treatment methods

The underlying reason and the seriousness of the symptoms influence the course of treatment. Here are a few typical remedies:

Medical treatments

• Medicines that fight viruses or bacteria, such as antibiotics.
• Treatment for autoimmune diseases using steroids or other immunosuppressant drugs.
• Creams or ointments are applied topically to treat skin conditions or soothe irritation.
• Bullae should be drained or removed, mainly if they are large, uncomfortable, or in danger of rupturing. ⁴Treatment | Researched based study from Wiley.com

Household remedies

Using natural remedies can help to reduce the effects. They might consist of:

• To avoid infection, keep the affected region dry and clean.
• Using cool compresses to relieve discomfort or itch. Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes to the injured area using a clean, damp cloth or towel.
• Avoid wearing anything too constricting or shoes that could rub against the bullae.
• Using anti-itch creams and over-the-counter painkillers as instructed, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Use mild soap and water to wash the region gently, and then pat dry with a fresh towel. Avoid rubbing the area or using abrasive soaps.
• Wrap a clean, loose, non-adhesive bandage around the bullae to prevent further irritation.³Treatment| Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org

Complications

Complications of Bullae

Infection

• Bullae can become infected if they are not treated correctly, which can cause additional problems like cellulitis, sepsis, or other systemic infections.

Scarring

• Bullae may occasionally result in scarring, mainly if they are big or rupture and heal incorrectly.

Impaired function

• Bullae present in the mouth, throat, or eyes can impair basic abilities like eating, speaking, or vision.

An infection’s spread

• When caused by infectious diseases that are transmitted through direct contact or airborne transmission, like chicken pox or shingles, they can affect others.

Symptomatic issues

• It may occasionally be a sign of a systemic disorder, such as cancer or an autoimmune disease, leading to additional problems. ⁶Complications | Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

Prevention

Preventive factors

Avoiding irritants

• If you are prone to getting bullae from being around irritants like chemicals or specific fabrics, stay away from them as much as you can.

Protecting the skin

• Wear protective clothing and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and other environmental variables.

Maintain proper sanitation

• Maintain proper cleanliness to ward off infections. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors, clean and cover wounds, and frequently wash your hands.

The treatment of underlying medical problems

• Work with your doctor to handle any medical conditions that increase your risk of blister development.

Get vaccinated

• Vaccination can help lower your chance of developing bullae if you are susceptible to a viral infection like chicken pox or shingles. ⁵Prevention | Researched based study from Kidshealth.org

Emergency

When should I call the doctor?

• Bullae that are large or painful should be examined if they are more than a few centimeters in diameter or are causing a lot of discomforts.
• If the bullae are spreading as they disseminate quickly or appear in numerous locations on the body.
• A healthcare expert should examine Bullae that start to ooze pus, blood, or other fluids. Bleeding is also a concern.
• It is essential to be assessed if the bullae are present in sensitive areas like the mouth, eyes, or genitalia.
• If you have nausea, vomiting, fever, or other systemic symptoms in addition to the bullae, seek medical attention as soon as possible.