Mutations in the KRT5 or KRT14 genes, responsible for producing the proteins keratin 5 and keratin 14, cause epidermolysis bullosa. Factors that trigger epidermolysis bullosa include genetics, environmental influences, sunlight, smoking, stress, certain medications, and viruses such as varicella-zoster.

Conditions contributing to epidermolysis bullosa include:

* Genetic factors
* Sunlight
* Infection and viruses such as varicella-zoster
* Hormones
* Medications
* Smoking
* Stress
* Sex (more common in females)
* Age (more common between 15 and 45 years of age)
* Geographic location (more prevalent in people of African, American, and Asian American descent)