Other Vesiculobullous Diseases

Abstract

Less common immunobullous diseases include cicatricial pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and linear IgA bullous dermatosis. Diagnosis of these entities are made through direct immunofluorescence, sometimes requires salt-split skin, as well as, in the case of cicatricial pemphigoid, mucosal scarring. As in pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid, common therapies include rituximab, prednisone, and IVIg. Dapsone can be particularly effective in linear IgA bullous dermatosis and bullous lupus. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a rare cutaneous manifestation of gluten sensitivity, characterized by pruritic vesicles on extensor surfaces, that responds to dapsone and gluten avoidance. This diagnosis is confirmed with biopsy and positive serology for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA. Blistering hypersensitivity reactions include TEN, SJS, erythema multiforme, and fixed drug eruption. All are characterized by varying degrees of keratinocyte necrosis. Common to the management of all include cessation of the offending agent. TEN can be managed by cyclosporine, TNF-inhibition, or—more controversially—IVIg. SJS can be effectively managed with systemic steroids. EM responds variably to a number of agents, including antiviral nucleoside analogues, prednisone, thalidomide, apremilast, and tofacitinib. Infectious causes of blisters include Staphylococcus aureus, HSV, and varicella zoster virus. Epidermolysis bullosa comprises a variety of genetically defective structural proteins of the skin. Recessive variants and those affecting deeper proteins carry more severe phenotypes. Management is best achieved at specialty centers and involves careful wound care as well as prevention of friction. Gene therapy is on the horizon for these disorders. Other blistering entities, mechanical or inflammatory in nature, are also discussed at the end of this chapter. This review contains 13 figures, 1 table, and 86 references. Keywords: Blisters, bullae, bullous, pemphigoid, necrolysis