Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Classic Findings, Mimickers, and Distinguishing Features in Primary Blistering Skin Disease
Suzanne J Tintle1, Allison R Cruse1, Robert T Brodell1
1From the Departments of Dermatology (Drs Cruse and Brodell) and Pathology (Drs Tintle, Cruse, and Brodell), and Affiliate Faculty, Dermatopathology Associates (Dr Duong), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson; and the Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York (Dr Brodell).
Context.—:
Blistering diseases comprise a large group of clinically polymorphic and sometimes devastating diseases. During the past few decades, we have developed an elegant understanding of the broad variety of blistering diseases and the specific histopathologic mechanism of each.
Objective.—:
To review examples of the classic findings of specific blistering diseases and emphasize the importance of considering unrelated conditions that can mimic the classic finding.
Data Sources.—:
This article combines data from expert review, the medical literature, and dermatology and pathology texts.
Conclusions.—:
We have chosen several common examples of classic blistering diseases that are mimicked by other cutaneous conditions to highlight the basic findings in blistering conditions and the importance of clinician-to-pathologist communication.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...

