Merck Manual

Please confirm that you are not located inside the Russian Federation

honeypot link

Overview of Blistering Disorders

By

Daniel M. Peraza

, MD, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University

Reviewed/Revised Feb 2024
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Topic Resources

A blister (bulla, or, when small, a vesicle) is a bubble of fluid that forms beneath a thin layer of dead skin. The fluid is a mixture of water and proteins that oozes from injured tissue. Blisters most commonly form in response to a specific injury, such as a burn or irritation, and usually involve only the topmost layers of skin. These blisters heal quickly, usually without leaving a scar. Blisters that develop as part of a systemic (bodywide) disease may start in the deeper layers of the skin and cover widespread areas. These blisters heal more slowly and may leave scars.

In an autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system Overview of the Immune System The immune system is designed to defend the body against foreign or dangerous invaders. Such invaders include Microorganisms (commonly called germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) Parasites... read more , which normally protects the body against foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues—in this case, the skin. Other autoimmune blistering disorders include

Autoimmune Disorders
VIDEO

Although burns and repeated friction (for example, from wearing tight shoes or using a shovel for a long time) are a common cause of blisters, these are not considered blistering disorders.

More Information

The following English language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
quiz link

Test your knowledge

Take a Quiz!
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
iOS ANDROID
TOP