Kimberly Fry, age 12, of Indianapolis, Ind., for her question:

WHAT IS EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA?

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare, hereditary skin disorder in which blisters form on the skin when it is subjected to even a slight pressure or friction. The blisters are usually very painful and often can become infected.

We don't know what causes epidermolysis bullosa. It comes about as a result of defective formation of the skin in which the outer layer, or epidermis, does not adhere very well to the inner layer, which is called the dermis. The rest of the body is usually normal.

Sometimes epidermolysis bullosa becomes evident during infancy or early childhood and other times it does not develop until adult life. The condition usually continues for life.

The only way to prevent blisters is to protect the skin from friction and pressure.