Living with Acquired epidermolysis bullosa
A rare autoimmune condition, usually in adults, in which skin blisters after minor injury.
Understanding Acquired epidermolysis bullosa
The skin blisters in response to minor injury, commonly on the hands, feet, knees, elbows, and buttocks. It can also affect the mouth, nose, and eyes. Some people have other health problems such as Crohn's disease or lupus. It is not inherited and usually occurs in adulthood. Immunosuppressive drugs may be used to reduce the autoimmune response. GARD lists onset as a variety of ages.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Skin blisters after minor injury
- Tiny white bumps (milia)
- Hair changes
- Scarring of the skin
- Itching
- Patchy darkened skin
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
It is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the body's own skin. It is not inherited.
Also known as: eba; eba - epidermolysis bullosa acquisita; epidermolysis bullosa acquisita; epidermolysis bullosa aquisita
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationAcquired epidermolysis bullosa · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Acquired epidermolysis bullosa.
Explore research for Acquired epidermolysis bullosa
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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