The spelling of the word "vesicular fever" can be tricky to remember because it has three syllables with different vowel sounds. The IPA phonetic transcription for "vesicular fever" is /vɪˈsɪkjʊlər ˈfiːvər/. The first syllable "ves" has a short "i" sound, the second syllable "ic" has a long "i" sound, and the third syllable "ular" has a "u" sound. The second word "fever" is easier to remember and has the IPA transcription of /ˈfiːvər/.
Vesicular fever is a medical condition characterized by the presence of vesicles, which are small fluid-filled sacs, on the skin or mucous membranes. It is typically caused by viral infections and is often associated with symptoms such as fever, rash, and general malaise.
The term "vesicular" refers to the formation of these vesicles, which can vary in size and may be filled with clear fluid or pus. These vesicles usually appear in clusters or groups and are typically accompanied by redness and inflammation. They can occur on various parts of the body, including the face, trunk, extremities, and oral cavity.
Vesicular fever can be caused by different viruses, such as herpes viruses, coxsackievirus, or varicella-zoster virus. These viruses are highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, or through respiratory droplets or bodily fluids.
The symptoms of vesicular fever usually begin with a sudden onset of fever, which may be accompanied by headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Within a few days, the characteristic vesicles appear, and they can be very itchy and painful. Over time, these vesicles may rupture, form crusts, and eventually heal. The duration of the illness varies depending on the specific virus, but it typically resolves within one to two weeks.
Treatment for vesicular fever generally focuses on managing the symptoms and promoting comfort. This may include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, applying topical creams or ointments to alleviate itching, and maintaining good hygiene to prevent secondary infections. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed if the cause of the vesicular fever is known and specific treatment is available.
(1) A febrile affection marked by the occurrence of a localized pain followed by a vesicular eruption which soon becomes general; it resembles at first chicken-pox and later smallpox, but is distinct from either; (2) pemphigus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.