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What is Bullous Skin Disorder?
If you’ve recently begun noticing more and more skin blisters showing up on your body, especially in places that bend or flex, such as the armpits or knees, it might be a bullous skin disorder.
Otherwise known as a blistering disease, the blisters caused by bullous skin disorders are often sore, itchy or uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful. Keep reading to learn more about bullous skin disorders and the various treatment options available today.
Bullous skin disorder is a broad term encompassing a group of rare blistering diseases thought to be caused by an autoimmune skin disorder. Bullous diseases include the following skin disorders:
Bullous skin disorders cause a range of skin lesions that can form on the skin and mucous membranes, such as itchy, hive-like welts and large, fluid-filled blisters that can become infected to blisters on the lining of the mouth and nose.
Bullous Skin Disorders FAQs
Interested in learning more about bullous skin disorders? Read our expert answers to frequently asked questions below, such as how common they are and bullous disease treatment options.
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 Wilmington Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, 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.
Bullous Skin Disorders Photos
To learn more about bullous skin disorders and what they might look like, take a look at the photos below.
Schedule an Appointment in Wilmington for Board-Certified Bullous Skin Disorder Treatments
If you are suffering from painful or uncomfortable blisters caused by a bullous skin disorder, or have noticed an unusual amount of blisters showing up on your body and need a professional diagnosis and treatment plan, get in touch with our clinic online or or give us a call at 910-782-0028 today. The experienced team of board-certified dermatologists at Wilmington Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center is here to help!
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 910.782.0028.