What it means
A bulla is bigger than a vesicle, a small blister; most sources set the line at about 1 cm (some use 0.5 cm). Bullae form with burns, friction, some skin diseases and severe drug reactions. In the lungs, a bulla is a large air space in damaged tissue, as in emphysema.
For the nurse
Do not pop a blister unless ordered; the roof protects the skin underneath from infection.
At a glance
| Spanish | ampolla |
|---|---|
| Also written | bullae, bullous |
Related terms
emphysema
A long-term lung disease in which the walls of the tiny air sacs are damaged and lose their stretch.
lesion
An area of tissue that has been damaged or has changed from normal, such as a sore, wound, lump or spot.
wheal
A raised, red or pale, itchy bump on the skin that comes and goes; a single hive.