Diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa

Diagnosis of Epidermolysis Bullosa is done based on a skin biopsy.

Clinical suspicion of epidermolysis bullosa arises based on the appearance of the skin. A diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa can be confirmed using a number of tests:

Skin biopsy: A sample of skin is taken and subjected to immunofluorescent tests or electron microscopy. Microscopic studies aid the diagnosis of EB.

Special skin tests can help differentiate epidermolysis bullosa acquisita from other forms of EB.

Other tests include:

Blood tests: Poor wound healing may be due to bacterial infections which can be confirmed using blood cultures.

Swallowing or feeding difficulties mandate visual examination using techniques like endoscopy.

References:

A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia
Vesicular and bullous diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2009;chap 16.
Morelli JG. Vesiculobullous disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 653.

Published on Feb 06, 2012
Last Updated on Aug 12, 2014

Navjit Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Is there any treatment for Epidermolysis bullosa [Junctional Variety](Herlitz Variant). Acctually we got one baby before and he got this problem . He was died when he was 11yrs old. We also got one daught she is 7 yrs old and she dont hv any problem she is ok . Now we got new baby Boy . But he got same eb problem. So i want to know if there is any treatment for this. Please reply my post thanks

dr.sankararao Monday, February 25, 2013

i am having a mother with 2 siblings are died of epidermolisis bullosa now the patient is pregnent can any thing can be done to this poor lady pls respond.

dandie1109 Tuesday, February 7, 2012

As U understand, there is NO CURE of any kind! What information indicated a partial cure is available as stated in this article?