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Updated: May 6, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Blisters - an unusual effect during radiotherapy
U Höller1, T Schubert, V Budach
1Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, Strahlentherapie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Ambulantes Gesundheitscentrum Charité Mitte, Charitéplatz 1, 10112, Berlin, Germany, ulrike.hoeller@charite.de.
Abstract:
The skin reaction to radiation is regularly monitored in order to detect enhanced radiosensitivity of the patient, unexpected interactions (e.g. with drugs) or any inadvertent overdosage. It is important to distinguish secondary disease from radiation reaction to provide adequate treatment and to avoid unnecessary discontinuation of radiotherapy. A case of bullous eruption or blisters during radiotherapy of the breast is presented. Differential diagnoses bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and bullous impetigo are discussed and treatment described.
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