What Are the Differences Between Rash and Blisters?
Our skin is very fragile, and if infected by viruses or contagious diseases, it may develop some blisters. Severe diseases, such as psoriasis, may recur repeatedly and are difficult to eradicate. The treatment methods for different skin diseases vary. Skin rashes and herpes are common types of skin diseases, so how can we distinguish between these two diseases?
A skin rash is a skin lesion that manifests in various forms, ranging from simple changes in skin color to raised surfaces or blisters on the skin. Skin rashes are characterized by large or small red patches, which may or may not be itchy. There are many types and causes of skin rashes, and diagnosis requires consideration of different circumstances. Some skin rashes only involve changes in skin color without elevation or depression, such as those seen in typhus, erysipelas, and rheumatic erythema multiforme. Others may involve redness due to vasodilation (such as in scarlet fever, measles, and drug eruptions) or purple spots due to subcutaneous bleeding. These purple spots can be further classified as petechiae (small, pinpoint-sized hemorrhages with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters) or ecchymoses (larger bruises or purpura with a diameter of 5 millimeters or more). These rashes often change from red or purple to brown, yellow, and eventually disappear. The duration of the rash varies, with some lasting two weeks and others resolving within 2-3 days.
Herpes, in a broad sense, refers to diseases caused by viruses belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Currently, eight viruses in this family are known to cause human diseases, collectively referred to as human herpesviruses. Common examples include varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus. These viruses can affect multiple organs in the human body. Herpes manifestations on the skin include small, yellow-white or translucent blisters that often appear in clusters and contain fluid. This symptom is observed in diseases such as smallpox and chickenpox. The causative agent is a virus, and herpes often occurs on the upper lip or face. The initial symptoms include itching, followed by the formation of blisters containing transparent fluid. These blisters may be slightly painful and heal with scabbing within one to two weeks.
