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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffEpidermolysis bullosa (ep-ih-dur-MOL-ih-sis buhl-LO-sah) is a group of skin conditions whose hallmark is blistering in response to minor injury, heat, or friction from rubbing or scratching. There are three main types of epidermolysis bullosa, with numerous subtypes. Most are inherited.
Most types of epidermolysis bullosa initially affect infants and young children, although some people with mild forms of the condition don't develop signs and symptoms until adolescence or early adulthood. Some infants are born with blisters. Mild forms of epidermolysis bullosa may improve with age, but severe forms may cause serious complications and can be fatal.
There's no cure for epidermolysis bullosa. Treatment depends on the severity, but often is aimed at preventing pain, infection and other complications.
- What is epidermolysis bullosa? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Morelli JG. Vesiculobullous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151278564-3/866450118/1608/1530.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50655-1--cesec14_11903. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Epidermolysis bullosa. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151278564-3/0/1195/110.html?tocnode=51441912&fromURL=110.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50018-2--cesec130_2065. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Epidermolysis bullosa simplex. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=epidermolysisbullosasimplex. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=dystrophicepidermolysisbullosa. Accessed July 22, 2009.
- Fine JD, et al. The classification of inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB): Report of the third international consensus meeting on diagnosis and classification of EB. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:931.
- About epidermolysis bullosa simplex - Supportive care. Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America. http://www.debra.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=19. Accessed July 22, 2009.
