Nonbullous

Nonbullous is a medical descriptor indicating the absence of bullae, or large fluid-filled blisters, on lesions. The term is commonly used in dermatology to distinguish presentations of diseases that can also occur with bullous forms. In impetigo, nonbullous impetigo is the more frequent presentation, particularly in children. It is typically caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. Lesions usually begin as red sores that progress to small pustules that rupture and crust over, forming characteristic honey-colored crusts, often on the face and limbs. The condition is generally mild and highly contagious, spreading through direct contact or shared objects and often responding to topical or oral antibiotics.

The adjective nonbullous can be applied to other diseases to contrast nonbullous from bullous forms, which involve larger blisters and may reflect different pathogens, immune processes, or treatment considerations. In clinical descriptions, nonbullous may also describe lesions or conditions that lack vesicles or bullae more broadly, not limited to impetigo.

Etymology-wise, nonbullous derives from the prefix non- meaning not, and bullous from the Latin bulla for bubble or blister. The term serves as a concise, descriptive way to convey the notable absence of large blisters in a presentation. See also bullous, impetigo, dermatology.

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