Vesikulite

Vesikulite, also known as vesiculitis in some languages, is an inflammation of a vesicle, a small fluid-filled cavity in the body. The term is used in different medical contexts and does not refer to a single uniform disease. In dermatology, vesiculitis describes inflammatory conditions that produce vesicles on the skin or mucous membranes, such as those seen in herpes simplex, varicella zoster, contact dermatitis, or dermatitis herpetiformis. In urology, vesiculite may refer to inflammation of the seminal vesicles, a condition called seminal vesiculitis, usually arising from infection or obstruction and potentially involving adjacent structures.

Causes of vesikulite depend on the context but are commonly infectious (viruses or bacteria), inflammatory or autoimmune, chemical irritants, or physical trauma. Skin-related vesiculitis often involves viral infections or allergic/contact dermatitis, while seminal vesiculitis typically results from bacterial infection, sexually transmitted infections, or post-procedural complications. In some cases, vesicular inflammation may be part of a broader systemic process.

Symptoms vary by location. Cutaneous vesiculitis presents with grouped vesicles on an reddened base, often accompanied by itching, tenderness, and possible crusting or infection of lesions; fever or malaise may occur with more widespread disease. Seminal vesiculitis causes pelvic or perineal pain, fullness or pressure, dysuria, and sometimes fever or pain during ejaculation. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and location-specific testing, including vesicle fluid swabs or PCR for viral pathogens, culture, serology, urinalysis, and imaging when needed to assess the seminal vesicles or surrounding structures.

Treatment targets the underlying cause. Antivirals may be used for viral vesiculitis, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and anti-inflammatory or symptomatic therapies as appropriate. Prognosis varies with etiology and severity; most localized vesiculitis improves with appropriate treatment, though certain forms may be recurrent or require further evaluation. Prevention focuses on managing risk factors, vaccination for vaccine-preventable viral infections when applicable, and minimizing exposure to irritants.