Learn About Bullous Pemphigoid

What is the definition of Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous pemphigoid is a skin disorder characterized by blisters.

What are the causes of Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. Specifically, the immune system attacks the proteins that attach the top layer of skin (epidermis) to the bottom layer of skin.

This disorder usually occurs in older persons and is rare in young people. Symptoms come and go. The condition often goes away within 5 years.

In some cases, the condition is triggered by a medicine.

What are the symptoms of Bullous Pemphigoid?

Most people with this disorder have itchy skin that may be severe. In most cases, there are blisters, called bullae.

  • Blisters are usually located on the arms, legs, or middle of the body. In rare cases, blisters can form in the mouth.
  • The blisters may break open and form open sores (ulcers).
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What are the current treatments for Bullous Pemphigoid?

Anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids may be prescribed. They may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. More powerful medicines may be used to help suppress the immune system if steroids do not work, or to allow lower steroid doses to be used.

Antibiotics in the tetracycline family may be useful. Niacin (a B complex vitamin) is sometimes given along with tetracycline.

Your provider may suggest self-care measures. These may include:

  • Applying anti-inflammatory creams to the skin
  • Using mild soaps and applying moisturizer to the skin after bathing
  • Protecting the affected skin from sun exposure and injury
Who are the top Bullous Pemphigoid Local Doctors?

Forefront Dermatology Sc

220 French Farms Blvd, Suite C, 
Athens, AL 
 1.4 mi
Accepting New Patients

Brian Thomas is a Dermatologist in Athens, Alabama. Dr. Thomas and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid. His top areas of expertise are Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Plaque Psoriasis, and Warts. Dr. Thomas is currently accepting new patients.

Dermatology
Dermatology
722 Bank St Ne, 
Decatur, AL 
 13.2 mi

Jere Weaver is a Dermatologist in Decatur, Alabama. Dr. Weaver and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid. His top areas of expertise are Actinic Keratosis, Seborrheic Keratosis, Warts, and Squamous Cell Skin Carcinoma.

 
 
 
 
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Southeastern Skin Cancer And Dermatology

104 J E Briscoe Way, 
Madison, AL 
 14.3 mi
Accepting New Patients

Katelyn Zimmer is a Dermatologist in Madison, Alabama. Dr. Zimmer has been practicing medicine for over 9 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid. Her top areas of expertise are Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica, Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta, Pityriasis Lichenoides, and Parapsoriasis. Dr. Zimmer is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Bullous Pemphigoid?

Bullous pemphigoid usually responds well to treatment. The medicine can often be stopped after several years. The disease sometimes returns after treatment is stopped.

What are the possible complications of Bullous Pemphigoid?

Skin infection is the most common complication.

Complications resulting from treatment may also occur, especially from taking corticosteroids.

When should I contact a medical professional for Bullous Pemphigoid?

Contact your provider if you have:

  • Unexplained blisters on your skin
  • An itchy rash that continues despite home treatment
What are the latest Bullous Pemphigoid Clinical Trials?
Phase 1b Open-label Basket Trial of RAY121 to Inhibit Classical Complement Pathway in Immunological Diseases (RAINBOW Trial)

Summary: This Phase 1b basket trial will investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity and preliminary efficacy of RAY121, a inhibitor of classical complement pathway, after multiple dose administration in patients with immunological diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), bullous pemphigoid (BP), Behçet's Syndrome (BS), dermatomyositis (DM), immune-medi...

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Identification and Functional Characterization of the Cellular and Molecular Actors of the IL-17B/IL-17RB Axis in Bullous Pemphigoid

Summary: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune skin disease and mainly affects elderly individuals. BP classically manifests with tense blisters over urticarial plaques on the trunk and extremities accompanied by intense itches. However, BP is characterized by a large spectrum of clinical presentations allowing to distinguish between typical (with blisters) and atypical forms (non bullous...

What are the Latest Advances for Bullous Pemphigoid?
Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 31, 2023
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Bilgic A, Murrell DF. Bullous pemphigoid. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 32.

Dinulos JGH. Vesicular and bullous diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.