Eczema Blisters

Eczema Blisters can often be the primary lesions in many different types of skin diseases. Blisters (also referred to as “bullae”) that are normally present continuously during the active phase of a class of skin diseases associated with an autoimmune system problem.

Three types of skin blistering diseases will be discussed here, and they include:

• Pemphigus - The most common form of this disease is pemphigus vulgaris. With this autoimmune generated skin disease, blisters of varying sizes can break out just about anywhere, but usually first appear on the inside of the mouth, or other mucous areas of the body, including the genitals. This disease usually develops in middle-aged to older adults (rarely in children). The blisters, after rupturing form painful ulcers that become prone to bacterial infection. In severe cases, large areas of skin can become infected. Without treatment (i.e. high doses of corticosteroids), this disease is usually fatal.
  
• Pemphigoid - The most prevalent of this family of skin conditions is Bullous Pemphigoid, or BP. It is a chronic blistering of the skin and ranges from mildly itchy welts to severe blisters and infection. It can be confined to a small area of the body -- or be widespread. The elderly (+50 years of age) are most often affected, but it can occur at any age. Occasionally, blisters can develop in the mouth or down the throat. Diagnosis is confirmed by completing a skin biopsy.
  
• Dermatitis Herpetiformis - This autoimmune disease of the skin causes clusters of highly itchy, small blisters on the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back and back of the head. Severe itching and burning may ensue. People that have developed a sensitivity to glutens (wheat, barley and rye proteins) are particularly at risk of the disease. In rare cases, lymphoma of the small intestines can also develop. Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a skin biopsy. Treatment with the drug dapsone is usually required before improvement is seen.

Autoimmune blistering diseases are characterized by significant itching, pain and sometimes disfigurement – and in the worst cases (due to infection), death. The good news is that treatment with immunosuppressive therapies can reduce these symptoms and the disease outcome.

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