Blistering and Oral Mucosal Diseases

At the University of Chicago Medicine, we care for people dealing with autoimmune blistering diseases and related mucosal (mouth) conditions. If you're experiencing symptoms like blisters, open sores, or discomfort while eating, our team of experts at the Blistering and Oral Mucosal Diseases Clinic is here to help.

Find a Blistering Diseases Specialist

What are blistering diseases?

Blistering diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of your skin or mucous membranes, leading to blisters, sores, and other painful symptoms. These conditions can deeply affect daily life but are manageable with early diagnosis and expert care.

Common Conditions We Treat

We provide care for a variety of blistering conditions, including:

• Pemphigus (including foliaceus, vulgaris and others)
• Pemphigoid (including bullous and mucous membrane pemphigoid)
• Linear IgA bullous dermatosis
• Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
• Oral lichen planus
• Erythema multiforme
• Leukoplakia (white patch)
• Erythroplakia (red patch)

What are the symptoms of blistering diseases?

Symptoms of blistering diseases depend on the specific condition, but generally include:

• Persistent itching
• Pain or sensitivity
• Blisters on the skin or inside the mouth
• Fragile skin that breaks or tears easily
• Non-healing wounds
• Difficulty eating due to mouth sores or irritation

If you're noticing these symptoms, contact a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes that impact quality of life.

What causes blistering diseases?

Blistering or immunobullous diseases develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin or mucous membranes, leading to skin breakdown and blisters which lead to subsequent scarring. While the exact triggers are unclear, contributing factors may include:

• Genetic predispositions
• Environmental exposures (such as medications or infections)
• Malfunctions in the immune system itself

Understanding your unique condition is the first step in determining the most effective treatment plan.

How are blistering diseases diagnosed?

We use advanced diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the exact cause of your condition, including:

• Histopathology (studying tissue under a microscope)
• Direct and indirect immunofluorescence (tests for autoimmune activity)
• Blood tests to detect specific antibodies
• Endoscopy (or other procedures to examine the throat or gastrointestinal tract)

These assessments provide clarity so we can guide your treatment process with precision.

How are blistering diseases treated?

Managing these conditions often requires a multi-disciplinary team since the symptoms can affect different parts of the body like the skin, mouth, eyes, or digestive tract. During treatment, you may work with specialists in dermatology, otolaryngology, rheumatology, gastrointestinal care, and ophthalmology.

Treatment options include:

• Wound care to prevent infection and encourage healing
• Topical treatments, like corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation
• Oral medications for systemic conditions
• Biologic therapies (e.g., rituximab, dupilumab, or immunoglobulin infusions)

Each treatment is carefully chosen based on your symptoms, disease type, and overall health.