Nikolsky's sign is skin condition in which the top layers of the skin slip away from the lower layers when slightly rubbed.
Considerations:
Nikolsky's sign is either positive or negative. A positive result may be present in several different medical conditions. Persons with a positive sign have loose skin that slips free from the underlying layers when rubbed. The area beneath is pink and moist and may be very tender.
Typically, your health care provider will test for this sign simply by twisting a pencil eraser against your skin. If positive, a blister will form in the area, usually within minutes.
There is no home care for most conditions associated with a positive Nikolsky's sign -- most affected people are hospitalized.
Review Date: 2/5/2008
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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