Acquired, or autoimmune, blistering skin conditions are diseases caused by a breakdown of connections between the epidermis and dermis on the skin and the mucosa that results in widespread blistering and ulcerations of the skin. The Immunobullous Disease Clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is led by Dr. Brian Simmons.
Common conditions
Some of the conditions treated include:
- Bullous pemphigoid and pemphigoid
- Cicatricial pemphigoid/mucous membrane pemphigoid
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
- Linear IgA bullous dermatosis
- Paraneoplastic pemphigus
- Pemphigus foliaceous
- Pemphigus vulgaris
What to expect from your appointment
History and physical exam
A thorough review of your health history and outside records will be done, including prior blood tests and skin biopsies, if these have been performed. A medical examination of your skin to determine disease severity.
Biopsy
If a blistering skin condition is suspected, a biopsy, or small sample of the skin or affected tissue for analysis in the laboratory for confirmation and determination of exact etiology.
Blood test
Your dermatologist may order additional blood work evaluate for circulating antibodies that are specific for certain blistering skin conditions.
Based on a patient’s history/physical exam and the overall severity of their condition, a personalized treatment plan is created that incorporates treatments to address a patient’s cutaneous manifestations of disease severity and a patients overall health/other medical problems.
More information about immunobullous diseases
These organizations have additional details about these diseases.
Appointments and referrals
Ask your dermatologist for a referral to the Immunobullous Disease Clinic. Our clinic is typically scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
