Blistering Skin Conditions

Abstract

Blisters are fluid-filled eruptions on the skin or mucous membranes. They are commonly seen in general practice in patients with herpes infection, insect bites, burns and friction trauma. Primary blistering disorders, for example bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) are rare in comparison. These are immune or inherited disorders of proteins that bind the skin together. Blistering conditions may present alone or in association with other diseases, for example dermatitis herpetiformis and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Blistering may be trivial or life threatening and therefore requires a logical approach to assessment, management and referral in the primary care setting.