Serous Bullae Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis for serous bullae can be organized into the following categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bullous Pemphigoid: This is an autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of bullae due to the deposition of autoantibodies against components of the basement membrane. It is the most common cause of serous bullae in adults.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pemphigus Vulgaris: An autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes due to autoantibodies against desmogleins.
- Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: A rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin due to autoantibodies against type VII collagen.
- Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis: An autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of bullae due to the deposition of IgA autoantibodies against components of the basement membrane.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): A life-threatening condition caused by a severe allergic reaction to medications, which can present with bullae and skin necrosis.
- Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): A condition caused by staphylococcal toxins that can present with bullae and skin exfoliation.
- Autoimmune Bullous Dermatosis due to Underlying Malignancy: Some autoimmune bullous dermatoses can be associated with underlying malignancies, such as paraneoplastic pemphigus.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Bullous SLE: A rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus that can cause bullae due to autoantibodies against components of the basement membrane.
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis: A rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin due to autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase.
- Acquired Epidermolysis Bullosa: A rare condition that causes blistering of the skin due to autoantibodies against type VII collagen.