Bullous Skin Disorder

Bullous skin disorders are quite rare. They occur more often in people over the age of 60 but can sometimes occur in children. Additionally, patients with underlying health conditions may be at higher risk for bullous skin disorders, as some may trigger an autoimmune attack on the skin.

Bullous skin disorders and diseases are thought to be caused by an abnormal autoimmune response, which means this type of skin condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the layer of tissue below the top layer of skin. Scientists and researchers have not discovered the exact reason behind this attack, but bullous pemphigoid can sometimes be triggered by certain medications, such as penicillin.

At The Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of Wilmington, our board-certified dermatologists will first perform a thorough skin evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. This may include a blood test and biopsy (a small sample of the skin) for laboratory testing.

Additionally, a dermatologist will ask you about the signs and symptoms you’ve been experiencing to better identify the type of bullous skin disorder. This is necessary for finding the best treatment plan.

Bullous skin disorder treatment typically includes:

• Corticosteroids (in cream or pill form)
• Sometimes other drugs, including immunosuppressants for people with severe disease

Symptoms usually lessen within months, but treatment is sometimes needed for several years, depending on the type and severity of the bullous skin disorder.

Scars may appear when the blisters caused by bullous skin disorders heal. In most cases, this depends on the type of bullous skin disorder, as some cause more severe blistering than others that may lead to extensive scarring.

Bullous skin disorders can sometimes be painful, depending on the location and severity of the blistering. Pain and discomfort can be minimized with proper care and treatment.