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Introduction to Bullous Diseases

ByDaniel M. Peraza, MD, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University
Joseph F. Merola, MD, MMSc, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Reviewed/Revised Modified Feb 2024
v960429
View Patient Education

Bullae are elevated, fluid-filled blisters ≥ 10 mm in diameter.

The autoimmune bullous diseases include

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of inherited diseases in which epithelial adhesion protein defects lead to epithelial fragility and bullae formation. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a similar bullous disease thought to be autoimmune, but it is not inherited.

Other bullous conditions include staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, severe cellulitis, and certain drug eruptions.

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