Bullae are elevated, fluid-filled blisters ≥ 5 mm in diameter. Bullous diseases include bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, herpes gestationis (pemphigoid gestationis—see Abnormalities of Pregnancy: Pemphigoid Gestationis), linear IgA disease, pemphigus vulgaris, and pemphigus foliaceus. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (see Bacterial Skin Infections: Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (see Hypersensitivity and Inflammatory Disorders: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)) also cause bullae.

Last full review/revision September 2008 by Julie E. Russak, MD

Content last modified February 2012