Blistering skin

Dr Belinda Welsh discusses the causes and clinical features of a variety of bullous skin rashes. Belinda discusses distinguishing features such as blister location, presence of mucosal involvement or whether the blisters are tense and intact (indicating dermal blistering) or fragile (indicating superficial blistering). Most presentations to GPs will be the result of infection, topical contact reaction, insect bites or drug reactions. However, if common conditions such as these are excluded, then often histology and immunofluoresence is required for diagnosis. (Belinda discussed the techniques for biopsy for both histology and immunofluorescence). Early referral to a dermatologist is recommended for Immunobullous disorders and serious non immunobullous diosorders such as porphyria cutanea tarda.

Source: Australian Family Physician audio - June 30, 2009 Category: Primary Care Authors: The Royal Australian College Of General Practitioners Tags: Podcasts Source Type: podcasts