Nikolsky's sign is a skin (dermatological sign) finding in which the top layers of the skin slip away from the lower layers when slightly rubbed. When this occurs, it is a positive sign for toxic epidermal necrolysis[5] and is associated with pemphigus vulgaris.[6] It is useful in differentiating between pemphigus vulgaris (where it is present or positive) and bullous pemphigoid (where it is absent) The test is named after the Russian physician Pyotr Nikolsky (1858-1940).
In a study released in 1998, it was also helpful (postive) in staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
Causes include:
Autoimmune condition (Pemphigus vulgaris) Bacterial infection ( Scalded skin syndrome) Toxic drug reaction (Toxic epidermal necrolysis)