Bullous Pemphigoid - Treatment and Symptoms

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a chronic blistering of the skin which generally occurs in the persons with age of 50 or above. It ranges from mildly itchy welts to severe blisters and infection, and may affect a small area of the body or be widespread. . The blisters are large and can occur anywhere on the skin but are more common on the skin fold areas such as the groin and armpits. Bullous pemphigoid can also involve the mouth. The disease is rarely life-threatening.

Elderly peoples are mainly victim of this disease but it can also be found in younger age groups. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it is caused when the body's immune system malfunctions. The immune system is meant to defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and disease, but instead produces antibodies against healthy tissue, cells and organs. Some patients with BP have other autoimmune diseases such diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Various other factors have been reported to play a role in triggering BP. These include drugs (furosemide, penicillin's), mechanical trauma, and physical traumas (burns from radiation, sun or heat).

Symptoms of Bullous Pemphigoid

Following are the 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

Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid

Following are the treatment for Bullous Pemphigoid

• Topical cortisone creams,
• When the blisters break, the best thing to put on the blisters is Polysporin or some other antibacterial ointment to prevent infection.
• In severe bullous pemphigoid several oral medications can be used including Dapsone, Prednisone , and Imuran. These are all very powerful medications with side effects that require your doctor to monitor your blood work at least once a month.
• There is no medical cure for bullous pemphigoid. The condition can be controlled with strong medications. Bullous pemphigoid sometimes gets better on its own and can even disappear completely after a few years.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin infusions
• High-potency topical corticosteroids applied on whole body surface

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