Bullous Pemphigoid - Information on Bullous Pemphigoid

Bullous Pemphigoid Information

Bullous Pemphigoid is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Bullous Pemphigoid may occur to the people at any age. Bullous is the medical term for a large blister (a thin-walled sac filled with clear fluid). Usually the skin in BP is very itchy and large, red welts and hives may appear before or during the formation of blisters. The blisters are widespread and usually appear on the areas of the body that flex or move (flexural areas). About 15-20 percent of people with BP also develop blisters in the mouth or down the throat in the esophagus.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Bullous Pemphigoid. Bullous pemphigoid typically occurs in elderly persons and is rare in young people. It is characterized by a pattern of exacerbations and remissions. In most patients, the disease spontaneously clears within 6 years.

Symptoms of Bullous Pemphigoid

• Bullae (large blisters, thin-walled sacs filled with clear fluid, greater than 1 cm diameter)
  • Multiple
  • Usually located on the arms, legs, or trunk
  • May also occur in the mouth
  • May weep, crust over
  • May appear deep below the surface of the skin
  • May erode the skin, form ulcers or open sores
• Itching
• Rashes
• Mouth sores
• Bleeding gums

Causes of Bullous Pemphigoid

The cause is not known clearily, but may be related to immune system disorders which can be due to various factors mentioned below:

• Immunogenetics
• Age: intrinsic changes in the immune system with aging may be a factor in the initiation of an autoimmune response against BP antigens
• Epitope spreading
• Complement activation
• Chemokines
• Bullous pemphigoid is not contagious; that is, it does not spread from person to person

Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid

A doctor can confirm a diagnosis based on:

• Physical examination
• Removing a small sample of affected tissue (biopsy) for examination under a microscope
• Blood tests

Treatment may include:

• Corticosteroids, typically given orally but may also be applied to the skin
• Immune-modulating medications, including sulphone antibiotics such as dapsone
• Antibiotics
• Immune system suppressing medications in the most severe cases