Autoimmune Diseases That Cause Blisters

Blisters may develop from diseases that cause your body to attack your own skin (autoimmune diseases), such as:

• Pemphigus, an uncommon, sometimes fatal disease. Blisters of varying sizes break out on the skin, the lining of the mouth, the vagina or penis, and other mucous membranes. Treatment includes medicine to suppress the Reference immune system Opens New Window and, sometimes, a plasma exchange procedure (plasmapheresis).
• Bullous pemphigoid, a less dangerous disease than pemphigus. Blisters are itchy, hard, and tight, and the skin between the blisters is red and may be swollen. Unlike in pemphigus, blisters do not form in the mouth. Treatment involves medicine to suppress the immune system.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis, a chronic inflammatory disease that may be caused by a sensitivity or allergy to Reference gluten Opens New Window. Clusters of small blisters and swellings that itch and burn like hives break out on the skin of the elbows, knees, buttocks, lower back, and back of the head. Occasionally blisters form on the face and neck. Treatment includes taking medicine and removing all foods that contain wheat, rye, barley, and oats from your diet.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.