Bullae are elevated, fluid-filled blisters ≥ 10 mm in diameter.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita can occur in all ages. The exact etiology of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is not known, but data suggest it involves autoimmune antibodies directed against type VII collagen, a key component of the anchoring fibrils within the dermal-epithelial junction.
Multiple myeloma Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells that produce monoclonal immunoglobulin and invade and destroy adjacent bone tissue. Common manifestations include lytic lesions in bones that cause... read more 
, amyloidosis Amyloidosis Amyloidosis is any of a group of disparate conditions characterized by extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrils composed of misaggregated proteins. These proteins may accumulate locally... read more 
, lymphoma Overview of Lymphoma Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors arising in the reticuloendothelial and lymphatic systems. The major types are Hodgkin lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphoma See table Comparison of Hodgkin... read more , inflammatory bowel disease Overview of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, is a relapsing and remitting condition characterized by chronic inflammation at various sites in the gastrointestinal... read more , and systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disorder of autoimmune etiology, occurring predominantly in young women. Common manifestations may include arthralgias and... read more 
have been associated with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita but the nature of the relationship is unclear.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is distinct from the inherited disorder epidermolysis bullosa Epidermolysis Bullosa Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of 4 very rare genetic diseases and their subtypes. Epithelial fragility and easy blistering of skin and mucous membranes usually manifest at birth or in infancy... read more 
, which involves various genetic mutations.
Symptoms and Signs of Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Initial manifestations of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita are highly variable, sometimes resembling those of bullous pemphigoid Symptoms and Signs Bullous pemphigoid is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder resulting in generalized, pruritic, bullous lesions in older patients. Mucous membrane involvement is rare. Diagnosis is by skin biopsy... read more 
. Bullous lesions are most often in areas subject to minor trauma, such as the extensor aspects of the elbows and the dorsal aspects of the hands and feet. Healing usually causes scars, milia (superficial epidermal inclusion cysts), and hyperpigmentation. Some patients have dystrophic nails and scarring alopecia, mucosal involvement, or ocular lesions leading to blindness.
Diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence
Diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is confirmed by skin biopsy and direct immunofluorescence. Direct immunofluorescence shows linear deposits of IgG and complement at the basement membrane zone (dermal–epidermal junction).
Indirect immunofluorescence using salt-split skin may be needed for differentiation from bullous pemphigoid. In the salt-split technique, a sample of healthy skin from an unaffected person is incubated with sodium chloride to create an artificial blister. The sample is then incubated with serum from the patient and then fluorescent anti-IgG. The blister floor (dermal side) fluoresces in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, whereas the blister roof (epidermal side) fluoresces in bullous pemphigoid.
Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Corticosteroids and dapsone
Skin care
The prognosis is variable, but disease course tends to be prolonged. High-quality evidence about treatments is lacking, and treatment recommendations are often anecdotal. However, in children, corticosteroids in combination with dapsone have shown benefit. In adults and in people with more severe disease, corticosteroids, dapsone, colchicine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, IV immune globulin, rituximab, and azathioprine have been reported to be successful.
Important skin care measures include gentle cleansing of skin, vigilance in preventing skin trauma, and early detection and treatment of skin infections.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
dapsone |
Aczone |
sodium chloride |
4-Way Saline, Adsorbonac, Altamist, Ayr Allergy & Sinus, Ayr Baby Saline, Ayr Saline Nasal, BD Posiflush Normal Saline, BD Posiflush Sterile Field Normal Saline, BD Posiflush SureScrub Normal Saline, Blairex Broncho Saline, Breathe Free Saline, Deep Sea , Entsol, HyperSal, Hyper-Sal, Hypertears, Little Remedies for Noses, Little Remedies Stuffy Nose, Monoject Sodium Chloride, Muro 128, NebuSal , Ocean, Ocean Complete, Ocean For Kids, Pediamist, PULMOSAL, Rhinaris, Rhinaris Lubricating, Saljet , Saljet Rinse, SaltAire, Sea Soft, Trichotine, Wound Wash, XYNASE, ZARBEE'S Soothing Saline Nasal Mist |
colchicine |
ColciGel, Colcrys , GLOPERBA, LODOCO, MITIGARE |
cyclosporine |
Cequa, Gengraf , Neoral, Restasis, Sandimmune, SangCya, Verkazia |
mycophenolate |
CellCept, Myfortic |
rituximab |
RIABNI, Rituxan, RUXIENCE, truxima |
azathioprine |
Azasan, Imuran |
