Dermatology Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) Practice

Bullous pemphigoid is characterized by the formation of large, tense blisters that arise primarily from autoimmune processes. In this condition, autoantibodies target components within the dermal-epidermal junction, specifically proteins that are integral to anchoring the epidermis to the dermis. This leads to skin fragility and blister formation, even with minimal friction or trauma.

The blisters in bullous pemphigoid are usually filled with clear fluid and can be quite large. They typically appear on the lower abdomen, groin, and other areas of the body but can also occur at any site. The autoimmune nature of the disease distinguishes it from other skin conditions where blisters may arise due to external factors like irritation or allergic reactions.

In contrast, other conditions listed have different underlying mechanisms. Atopic dermatitis is primarily an inflammatory skin condition associated with eczema that often leads to chronic itching and skin thickening but does not typically cause large blisters. Psoriasis is marked by red, scaly plaques and can have pustular features but does not present with blisters due to autoimmune activity in the same manner as bullous pemphigoid. Contact dermatitis results from skin irritation or allergen exposure and may cause vesicles, but