Blistering skin lesions : introduction

Skin blistering is a clinical manifestation that warrants thorough evaluation due to its broad range of potential etiologies. In clinical practice, understanding the types and causes of blistering skin lesions is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Definition of Blisters

Blisters are fluid-filled sacs that form in the skin layers, often as a result of damaged or irritated tissue. They can appear as single or multiple vesicles, depending on the underlying cause.

Mechanism of Formation

Blistering occurs due to the separation of skin layers, leading to a fluid-filled cavity. The loss of cohesion between skin cells can happen:

Within the epidermis

Between the epidermis and dermis (basement membrane zone)

In the uppermost layers of the dermis

Common Causes

Skin blistering is most commonly caused by:

Mechanical Insults: Friction, trauma, burns.

Physical Factors: Heat, cold, radiation.

Infectious Agents: Bacteria, viruses, fungi.

Less commonly, the root causes can be:

Mutations in structural components of the skin: Leading to hereditary blistering disorders.

Autoimmunity: Directed against structural components, causing conditions like pemphigus and pemphigoid.

The tables that follow classify blistering skin conditions into immunobullous and nonimmunobullous lesions, summarizing key features, typical age groups affected, and additional notes for each condition. Clinicians can refer...